ARNIE HALL
As New Zealand's first Baptist church, Nelson Baptist Church (NBC) is celebrating 175 years of history while also looking to the future with significant redevelopment plans and new facilities.
"It is amazing looking back at the history of this iconic Nelson church, but it is also exciting as the church is going through a real revitalisation," says Pastor Arnie Hall. "We have new people attending church, growing ministries, and modern facilities that will complement our historic buildings."
The church's story began in 1851 when Reverend Decimus Dolamore arrived in Nelson from Yorkshire aboard the Comet. Remarkably, just one hour before his arrival, local residents had met to discuss establishing a Baptist church. Dolamore began leading a congregation of 15 foundation members in May 1851, with services initially held in the Campbell School room, now part of the Suter Art Gallery.
Land for a permanent church was secured through a Crown Grant, and the foundation stone was laid in October 1852. The official opening was delayed until December 1854 when local builders were diverted to a project deemed more urgent at the time - constructing Nelson's brewery.
The young church quickly grew. A Sunday School was established by 1858, and gas lighting was installed in 1874. In 1896, the original chapel was carefully dismantled and rebuilt as the present church hall, making way for the current church building. Constructed in just five months for £600, it features large rimu beams, beautiful architectural details, and distinctive curved pews that create a strong sense of community. Today, the building remains both locally and nationally recognised as a heritage landmark.
Over the decades, Nelson Baptist Church has played an important role in both the church and wider community. Thirty members have served in overseas missionary work, many have entered Christian ministry throughout New Zealand, and generations of local families have celebrated weddings, baptisms, and funerals within its walls. The church has also helped establish new congregations, including Atawhai Community Church.
Today, NBC is experiencing renewed growth. Sunday services include families, children, teenagers, and people exploring faith. Youth programmes, playgroups, community initiatives, Alpha courses, and baptisms are flourishing. The church also partners with a vibrant Chin congregation for Sunday afternoon services.
As part of its future vision, the church is redeveloping parts of its site. Several 1960s buildings affected by earthquake and flood risks will be removed. The historic 1853 church hall will be restored, with heritage features highlighted alongside upgraded kitchen and bathroom facilities. Church offices and meeting spaces will relocate in 2027 to the lower level of the debt-free Duncan Cotterill building, constructed on church-owned land during the 1980s.
A notable piece of church history is the Peace Memorial pipe organ, installed in 1917. With more than 800 pipes, it originally operated using water pumped directly from the Maitai River. While modern instruments are more commonly heard today, the organ remains in occasional use.
NBC's 175th anniversary celebrations will take place from 25-27 September. A public open day on Friday will feature building tours, memorabilia displays, organ recitals, and refreshments. Saturday evening will host a ticketed fundraising dinner, while Sunday's 10am celebration service will include prayers for the new building development and conclude with refreshments.
After 175 years, Nelson Baptist Church continues to honour its rich heritage while investing confidently in its future and its ongoing service to the Nelson community.
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