FRANKTON
Frankton Congregation
NEW SERVICE TIME FROM THE 26th OCTOBER: 10:30AM
Ross Street, Frankton
Frankton congregation, widely known as St. Margaret's, is situated below the flight path to Queenstown airport, a fact that sometimes causes consternation to visitors, as they see a jet seemingly heading for the back of the preacher.
Consternation is, of course, short-lived, and is generally replaced by awe as we enjoy one of the most spectacular locations in God’s creation. With the Frankton Arm of Lake Wakatipu stretching out before us and the majestic Remarkables towering behind, we are surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation.
The central location makes this venue a popular choice for a variety of groups, even international congregations. Lately, we have been welcoming Fijians, Chinese, as well as community groups and also our very welcoming Mainly Music.
Global is now officially operating at Frankton, with services being held every Sunday evening.
The morning service is a Bible focused gathering, when we enjoy spending time learning the Word of God through faithful teaching of the Scriptures and singing meaninful contemporary and traditional songs or Worship. Kids are always welcomed to enjoy a time at Footsteps, our Kids ministry. Another important part of our gathering is our fellowship around tables every Sunday during morning Tea. All welcome!
Join us for a family-friendly service and be strengthened in your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
FRANKTON CHURCH HISTORY
Owing to delays and disputes about the survey and sale of land in the Queenstown block between the Government and Mr Rees, a township was surveyed at Frankton and some people were induced to move from Queenstown to the new town. The courthouse was actually moved from Queenstown to Frankton and re-erected on the bank of the Kawarau River overlooking the Falls. In July 1863, all the other Government buildings followed the courthouse. However, in the same month, Vincent Pyke, the Goldfields secretary, came in state to the Wakatipu, apologies were made and Queenstown was again appointed the centre for court sittings. As a result of this confusion the courthouse, instead of being carted back to its original site, was sold to the Presbyterians, whose leader at the time was James Flint.
This building of wood and iron thus became a place of worship with seating for sixty people. It was considerably enlarged during the mid-seventies. It is likely that services were held in the courthouse before it was bought for church purposes. One of the earliest records of the Frankton Church is a pulpit Bible bearing the following inscription: “Presented by the ladies of the congregation to the Frankton Presbyterian Church, 27 October 1868.”
After doing duty for over 80 years the old church was, in 1959, replaced by a new structure, the erection of which had been greatly assisted through a bequest of £500 by Mr Peter Reid, of “Glenpanel,” a well-known farmer of the district who died in 1936. He was the son of Mr James Reid, an Arrowtown elder. The Petrov organ in the church was given by the Reid family and the communion plates by Mr G.H. Wardell, a farmer of Quaker lineage who was a faithful elder of the congregation for several years. The foundation stone of the new church was laid on 10 January 1959, by Miss A. Southberg, the oldest member of the church and at the opening ceremony a tablet in memory of the Rev. Donald Ross, given by Mr Eric Skinner, of Dunedin, was unveiled by Miss Mary Salmond, who was baptised by Mr Ross in 1887.
