Johnsonville Methodist Church 125th Anniversary

The Johnsonville Methodist Church was once one of the oldest Wellington church parishes outside of the central city area. Established in 1842, for generations the church, church hall and its associated church graveyard was a significant feature of Johnsonville Road, the main street running through the suburb. The church hall came to be used as a community centre for the area and was used by Plunket & playcentre groups, scouts, the Boy's Brigade, the Women's Institute and many other local institutions. This booklet was written around the time that a decision was made by the parish to form a Uniting Church with the local Presbyterian congregation. With the value of the land increasing and the buildings in poor condition, it was decided to deconsecrate the church and it was demolished in 1973. It was replaced with what was originally a Post Office distribution centre located at 31 Johnsonville Road but this is today used for retail, office and warehouse space. The old Methodist cemetery which was originally located behind the church remains in situ but is today virtually surrounded on all sides by buildings. It can still be accessed via Norman Lane located between 31 & 33 Johnsonville Road.