History

Friendship House was established by partnership of six church denominations in response to health and community development issues identified in the early 1970’s.

Friendship House is a gift to the community from the six founding churches:

• Anglican Church

• Roman Catholic Church

• Baptist Church

• Presbyterian Church

• The Salvation Army

• Methodist Church

Friendship House Timeline

12 December 1976

The temporary ‘Friendship House’, with volunteers and part-time staff, was opened in two re-locatable Lockwood houses, near where the permanent building was later erected

13 December 1977

An agreement was signed by the Anglican General Trust Board which committed the Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to purchase Lot 43, and to build a Centre on the site

13 April 1978

The land was blessed by mana whenua of Pukaki Marae

31 May 1978

Legal possession was taken of Lot 43

30 November 1978

A plaque was laid to mark the commencement of work on the new building. Representatives of the seven Churches involved in the planning to date were present

17 June 1979

The official opening of the permanent ‘Friendship House’ took place

7 June 1984

The Friendship House Operating Agreement was signed by the Heads of six Churches: Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and The Salvation Army

1997

Major refit of the building

2010

Refurbishment of foyers and utility areas

2019

Brand refresh and website relaunch

For an expanded history of Friendship House click here to download a PDF – The Early Years by Earle Howe.