St Mark’s Remuera, has been a significant place for the occupants of it’s parish throughout it’s long and varied history, and has adapted well to the changes in society today.

In early 1847, Remuera, although mostly farmland, had a fast growing population. Many thought it likely that the region would become an important residential area in the future. For this reason, Bishop Selwyn selected a sight near the junction of the Auckland, Papakura and Onehunga roads for a new church to meet the expected population growth. Within a few months the first St Mark’s church had been erected and was opened in March 1847.

The new church was a small wooden chapel with a thatched roof and seated about 80 people. During the week school was held there and the students helped with services on the weekends. Before long the congregation had expanded so much that a new church was merited. The old church was moved and became the schoolroom and the vestry meeting room for the parish. This building was the beginning of Remuera Primary School.

Meanwhile, subscriptions for the new church were gathered and the building begun. The finished church was a simple building made of kauri, roofed with shingles and seated 136. On September 12, 1860, Bishop Selwyn despite fierce winds and blustery rain, consecrated the church on the outside porch. Unfortunately the unpleasant weather meant that only five parishioners were able to attend. Nevertheless, the congregation were pleased with the new church and happy to pay ‘seat rent’ to help support it.