The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary

The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is a historic and beautiful church located in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

The church is the oldest stone church in New Zealand and is one of the heritage buildings in New Plymouth. It is also one of the newest cathedrals in the Anglican Communion. The church was designed by Frederick Thatcher, a London-trained architect, who was one of the first settlers arriving in New Plymouth. The original part of the church was built between 1845 and 1846 in the Gothic Revival style.

The church has always had a presence in the community and plays a vibrant role in the city's culture. The buildings and grounds are beautifully maintained, including the privately owned vicarage which is next door. The church has a graveyard with the headstones of early settlers and soldiers. The church is closed for repairs, but visitors can still enjoy a virtual tour of the church through a 3D model available on Matterport.

The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is a warm, friendly, and loving church community. It is a people and a place of prayer, peace, and reconciliation. The church aims to strengthen its presence through The Cathedral Project: A Taranaki Taonga. The project aims to understand the church's past to build its future. Visitors can attend the Parish AGM, which is held on the 18th September, right after the 10 am service, Peace Hall, 11:15 pm. The church also has a Taranaki Cathedral Kokiri Team, which was established by the Standing Committee to establish a new governance structure for the cathedral.

In conclusion, The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and spirituality. The church's rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant community make it a unique and special place to visit.