This English Gothic-style church on Queen Street was erected in 1904 for the Primitive Methodists. It was designed by well-known New Plymouth architect, Frank Messenger who called for tenders in early January 1904. Foundation stones were laid on 18 March 1904, with the honour of laying the first stone falling to long-time church member, Mr. W. Bassett.
This was the second church built on the site, replacing one built in 1862. The estimated cost was £1800 and the contractor was Mr. R. Coleman. The sub-contractors used included; Smart Bros (plumbing), W. Madder (masonry), T. Bellringer estate (funds for painting work supervised of Mr Rich), Okey & Rollo (ironwork) and Mr Robert Martin (Wellington – stained glass). The timber was supplied by Sash & Door and the seats were made by Henry Brown & Co.
The church opened, debt free, in early September 1904 with a series of services and concerts. A stained glass window, dedicated to the Reverend Robert Ward, the first Primitive Methodist minister in the town, was unveiled on 1 September 1904, part of the week's opening events.
The church was only used by the local congregation for just over ten years before being converted into a cinema. In turn this building was transformed into the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery which opened in 1970.
Postcard: New Plymouth Primitive Methodist Church (1907)
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