The foundation stone for this Wesleyan Methodist Church was laid on 13 March 1856. It opened on Thursday 2 October 1856, although the report in the Taranaki Herald the following week explained the highlight of the week had been a "Tea Meeting" on Monday evening, 6 October 1856.
The meeting was attended by over 400 people and among the speakers were the Rev. John Whiteley, Rev. Turton and Rev. J.F. Riemenschneider. It was reported that expenses to date were about £900 with nearly £400 left to be found. Almost £120 was donated during the week of celebrations, an amount said to be, "unprecedented in New Zealand Church and Chapel opening".
A north-wing was added in 1864, doubling the size of the building. In 1898 this church was moved to one side to make way for the new Whiteley Memorial Church. This original church was eventually demolished in 1955 after a new youth centre was built.
It was located on the corner of Liardet and Courtenay Street, the site of the present Whiteley Memorial Church.
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