The congregation of St Stephen’s celebrated the 60th anniversary of the iconic ‘pink church’ last weekend, 17-18 June 2023.

The church, on Park Street in Ashburton, was officially opened on June 22, 1963. It was built alongside the historic old church built in 1875, which was demolished.

The two days of celebrations started on Saturday with a 60s-themed community festival day. There were guided tours of the church, a free lunchtime sausage sizzle, videos on show with historic photographs and memorabilia, information on the Christian faith and the life of the church, as well as 60s era vehicles, and rock ‘n’ roll dancing displays.

On Sunday there was a celebration church service and free pot-planned lunch for worshippers.

People were also being encouraged to dress in 60s era clothing over the weekend.

Anglican Parish of Ashburton vicar Indrea Alexander said the celebration was belated because at the time of the 50th, the building needed quake strengthening. when interviewed, Indrea said that everyone was welcome - there are people who have never been in, they’ve been past but never been in. They were hoping people would come and enjoy exploring the church, have a look at the displays. This was the opportunity, the doors were open.

There were people on site to answer questions, especially on key areas such as the stained glass windows and the stories behind them.

One such window is in the church nave above the altar.

It is a stained glass window titled ‘The Ascension’. It was in memory of men who gave their lives in World War 1 from 1914 to 1918.

The window was proposed by vicar of the time Reverend Wright at the 1919 annual general meeting, and dedicated on August 5, 1923.

It cost just over £878, the equivalent of nearly $15,500 today.

All of the money was raised by the parish.

Another feature includes the church’s intimate side chapel which holds around 30 people.

It was designed to be strongly reminiscent of the previous church, Indrea said.

It has glass windows and wood panelling which were part of the old church built on the grounds in 1875. It was demolished following its last service on June 16, 1963.

The new ‘pink’ church – reportedly a pinker shade than it is now – had its first service six days later on June 22. There are plaques around the church and grounds heralding its history and extensions such as the administration, hall and facilities.

The church still has a regular congregation of around 60 people, but can swell during seasons such as Christmas and Easter.

Church administrator Marion Jacobson said people had registered for the 60th celebrations from outside the district as well as across Mid Canterbury, many had a long association with the church. Some were even there at the church change over.

Over the weekend there was also the cutting of a cake, baked by a parishioner, and featuring a picture of the original church alongside the new church, and the St Stephen’s Choir performing hymns of old.

This month Parishioners have been giving away ‘30 cakes in 30 days’ as part of their 60th celebrations. So far cakes have been delivered to Plunket, Salvation Army Family Store, St Vincent de Paul opportunity shop, Ashburton Hospital laboratory Chris Ruth Trust and Hospice Mid Canterbury.