Community of the Sacred Name

The Community of the Sacred Name featured a collection of buildings, including a chapel, novitiate, and living quarters for religious sisters in central Christchurch.

The community was established in 1893 when Edith Mellish arrived from London to create a group of deaconesses at the request of Bishop Churchill Julius.

The buildings represented various architectural styles through designs by Benjamin Mountfort, Cyril Mountfort, and John Goddard Collins between 1895 and 1912.

The original brick structures sustained severe damage during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, leading to their subsequent demolition and partial preservation efforts.

Heritage New Zealand secured NZ$2.9 million in funding to restore the remaining timber buildings, which were sold to a charity called Home and Family.

GPS coordinates: -43.53605,172.64515

Latest update: March 6, 2025 10:17