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East Gore Presbyterian Church
Gore serviced from Mataura, granddaughter church of Wyndham. In 1880 the Sunday School formed - McKay hall - the church built and opened 16 October 1881 - expanded 1892 to seat 270 and 50. A report read: "The church has considerable visibility and is an ornament to this growing township". R.A. Lawson, architect, the only surviving example of his wooden structures, and the building has been accorded a Heritage New Zealand category 2 registration, Thomas Latham, builder.
The first resident minister, the Rev. Andrew Mackay from Scotland, was inducted three years later. East Gore became a separate charge 12 February 1884 with 70 communicant members - Gore, Pyramid and Pinnacle.
First minister Andrew Mackay 4 September 1884 stayed almost 6 years - 160 communicant members
By the early 1890s with resident numbers increasing on both sides of the river, possible extension to the west was looked at. The Rev. J.A. Asher followed at East Gore, and A. Gray, J.M. Simpson, J. McIlroy and F.M. Beattie to 1935.
East Gore suffered as centre of population and business moved to the west side of the river. Service continued at East Gore outreach to Gore - J. M. Simpson holding evening service - Theatre Royal then Princess Theatre (St. Mary's) - west side of the river - and then also Sunday School and Bible Class for the growing district. The pipe organ was removed to St. Andrew's. F. B. Barton was the longest ministry in the parish 1935-1953.
In 1952 the Mataura Presbytery authorised the establishment of a second charge comprising the East Gore area and the Outfields sector of the Gore congregation, Waimumu and Te Tipua. After a period with the Rev. C.A. Kennedy as stated supply, the Rev. John Tennent was inducted in 1953.
After discussion about the name of the new parish, the East Gore Presbyterian Church was decided on. It was not until 1955 that the title deeds of the church and manse were transferred from St. Andrews.
"That the spirit of the pioneers who established the Presbyterian Church in Gore a century ago is not lost was amply demonstrated by the East Gore Parish during the early sixties when volunteers renovated the ancient structure and its spire and erected the adjoining hall. The dedication of the hall on April 4 1964 bought to a close a remarkable chapter of tireless endeavour and personal sacrifice on the part of many members of the parish".
Closing service 28 June 1998. The Eastern Southland Gallery purchased the former East Gore Presbyterian church and hall in 2019, supported by the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland, to secure space for artist-based projects, programmes and performances.
The first resident minister, the Rev. Andrew Mackay from Scotland, was inducted three years later. East Gore became a separate charge 12 February 1884 with 70 communicant members - Gore, Pyramid and Pinnacle.
First minister Andrew Mackay 4 September 1884 stayed almost 6 years - 160 communicant members
By the early 1890s with resident numbers increasing on both sides of the river, possible extension to the west was looked at. The Rev. J.A. Asher followed at East Gore, and A. Gray, J.M. Simpson, J. McIlroy and F.M. Beattie to 1935.
East Gore suffered as centre of population and business moved to the west side of the river. Service continued at East Gore outreach to Gore - J. M. Simpson holding evening service - Theatre Royal then Princess Theatre (St. Mary's) - west side of the river - and then also Sunday School and Bible Class for the growing district. The pipe organ was removed to St. Andrew's. F. B. Barton was the longest ministry in the parish 1935-1953.
In 1952 the Mataura Presbytery authorised the establishment of a second charge comprising the East Gore area and the Outfields sector of the Gore congregation, Waimumu and Te Tipua. After a period with the Rev. C.A. Kennedy as stated supply, the Rev. John Tennent was inducted in 1953.
After discussion about the name of the new parish, the East Gore Presbyterian Church was decided on. It was not until 1955 that the title deeds of the church and manse were transferred from St. Andrews.
"That the spirit of the pioneers who established the Presbyterian Church in Gore a century ago is not lost was amply demonstrated by the East Gore Parish during the early sixties when volunteers renovated the ancient structure and its spire and erected the adjoining hall. The dedication of the hall on April 4 1964 bought to a close a remarkable chapter of tireless endeavour and personal sacrifice on the part of many members of the parish".
Closing service 28 June 1998. The Eastern Southland Gallery purchased the former East Gore Presbyterian church and hall in 2019, supported by the Presbyterian Synod of Otago and Southland, to secure space for artist-based projects, programmes and performances.
P-A146.2-4The East Gore Church sanctuary, taken on the last day of worship.
P-A146.2-4
East Gore Presbyterian Church. Presbyterian Research Centre, accessed 04/04/2026, https://pcanzarchives.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/117600
