Holy Trinity Avonside

Holy Trinity Avonside was a stone church in Linwood featuring Gothic Revival design, pointed arches, intricate stained glass windows, and traditional Anglican architectural details. The building displayed the careful craftsmanship of the 19th century in both its interior and exterior.

The church was consecrated in 1857 by Bishop Harper and became the first consecrated Anglican church in Canterbury, built on land donated by John and Elizabeth Stace. It shaped the region's religious development from its opening.

The graveyard served as a final resting place for important figures like scientist Julius von Haast and architect Benjamin Mountfort, who shaped early Canterbury. The burials reflect how the community honored those who contributed to its growth.

The building suffered serious damage from the 2011 earthquake and was completely demolished in September of that year despite efforts to save it. Today the site serves as a reminder of the challenges the area faced in recovering from that natural disaster.

During demolition, workers discovered a time capsule buried beneath the nave containing historical documents and artifacts from the building's early years. This finding revealed details about the community and its values from the 19th century.