Constructed: 1953, Architect: Structon

The St James Church was a bold statement in an era of Gothic revival church architecture in New Zealand. Its clean modernist form and minimal decoration stood (and stand) as a statement about resilience and having a strong presence, after being rebuilt following a fire in 1946.

Although close to a busy roundabout, the church is nestled into the surrounding trees, creating an oasis within its site. It balances the public: welcome in, and the private: a place of worship and reflection. The tower stands proud at the entrance to the church, described as ‘stark and uncompromising’. You can’t miss it as you cross the Ewen Bridge into the Hutt. It’s a gateway building you drive past repeatedly, but how many of you have looked inside?