This was the first Catholic church in Eltham and was blessed on 23 October 1898 by Father Power. It was originally located on a piece of land on Bridge Street West, bordered on three sides by the Eltham-Opunake Highway, the Waingongoro River and the Recreation Grounds (Taumata Park).
When the new church was constructed in 1905 this building was used as a school and parish hall.
In 1914 Father Cahill, with the backing of Archbishop Redwood, bought two and a half acres on Stanners Street. In 1914 both this hall and the church were moved to the Stanners Street site. It was initially north of the present church but after the new school was built in 1923 it was moved to its present location south of the church.
In 2000 it was being used as a social hall and playcentre. At present (2024) it is home to the "Christian Harvest Centre".
Further reading: History of St Joseph's Eltham Parish & School 1898-1998, Alison Crafar (TRCT282.93488 CRA).
Related document:
Church and hall on the move (1914). History of St Joseph's Eltham Parish & School 1898-1998, Alison Crafar.
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