Heritage architect, Paul Cummack, and architectural practice, architecture +, collaborated on the project that saw the church building undergo a major upgrade and seismic strengthening. The Wesley Church in Te Aro is regarded as one of Wellington’s finest 19th century timber churches and the building has provided a spiritual home to the Pacific Island Methodist community for many years.

The significant upgrade retained the architectural integrity of the original building, cleverly concealing many new and reinstated architectural features and elements. A refurbished lobby on the northern façade provides a light and airy indoor space. Weatherboards and timber trim have been repurposed and reinstated in the renovation that included reroofing and repainting. The outcome is a fit-for-purpose church and community facility, ideally suited to the congregations and community it serves.

The concept for the event was first mooted in October 2022, and nine sub-committees worked with missionary zeal from February 2023, to deliver a special event that thrilled the audience. The musical comprised a cast of 10, along with the Trinity Methodist Church Choir and two visiting choirs: the Pitt Street Methodist Church choir and the Mount Albert Methodist Church choir.

To complete the extravaganza, the Howick Brass Band accompanied the congregational carols and the grand finale, Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ performed by the three choirs. The congregation was requested to come in festive attire, to bring about the spirit of Christmas.

The story revolved around the Angels in Heaven, coming together on the night of 24 December to celebrate the birth of Christ in the Golden Lounge in Heaven. St. Peter introduces the ‘hour of jubilation’, where each Angel sings their favourite carols backed by their specific choir. A special guest, George Frederic Handel, joins the celebrations to make the hour of jubilation one memorable night for all. Handel hears the beautiful singing in the Golden Lounge and decides to take a break from his composing work. Upon his entrance, Handel sees so many talented choristers, along with the fabulous brass band, that he requests all the choirs to sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ as a grand finale to the night of jubilation. The story was kept a secret until the performance, as it was intended for the audience to be surprised by experiencing something novel and magical.

The church was transformed into a magical heaven-like venue with a glittering Christmas tree, complete with a sledge full of presents guarded by a lighted reindeer, fairy lights cascading into torrents of flashing colours and impressive floral arrangements in a mix of gold, red and white.

The sermon, delivered by Rev. Amos Muzondiwa, the presbyter of the Trinity Methodist Church, was based on the act of mercy and love shown by the Angel of Mercy. The service ended with the Trinity Church choir walking out with candles, while the congregation sang ‘Oh come all ye faithful’ amidst a multitude of fairy lights.

This was another unique event organized to glorify God for all His mercies showered upon the church, which celebrates its 60th year in its present location.