Sir Julius von Haast (1824 – 1887)

Sir Julius von Haast was born Johann Franz Haast. “…a boy in heart until the day he died…” was once said about this German geologist. Before his journey to New Zealand in 1858, Julius traveled around Europe and married Antonia Schmitt. His studies of geology and mineralogy at Bonn University unbelievably were not his reasons …

Cyril Julian Mountford (1853 – 1920)

Cyril Julian Mountford was the second son of famed Canterbury architect Benjamin Mountfort. Following in his father’s footsteps, Cyril unfortunately never branched away from Benjamin’s type of style, his work mirroring Benjamin’s a great deal. When Benjamin died in 1898, Cyril took over his practise and finished the projects at that time, including the Canterbury …

Mary Rolleston (1845 – 1940)

“…nothing said about the Pilgrim mothers? Yet, they bore the same discomforts, hardships and privation and in addition had to put up with the Pilgrim fathers.” Mary Rolleston – Woman’s Division of the Farmer’s Union – Year Unknown As the bells of The Holy Trinity of Avonside tolled over the eastern side of Christchurch – …

AVONSIDE – The Holy Trinity Of Avonside (1855 – 2011)

The Avonside Parish came in second for two very important milestones!Firstly, the Holy Trinity Church was the second church built in Christchurch. St Michael and his Angels was the first. I am delighted to report that the latter church is in tip top shape and it is still serving its Anglican community on its original …

Linwood & The Holy Trinity of Avonside

Just had to share this wonderful description of the beginnings of Linwood and Avonside written by Rosamund Rolleston, the granddaughter of a very influential Canterbury founding father – William Rolleston. To give a very quick background check, William Rolleston was Canterbury’s last Superintendant and remembered today in the naming of Rolleston Ave, his (currently missing/under …

William Rolleston (1831 – 1903)

William Rolleston (1831 – 1903)         Died of old age    Place of Death: Kapunatiki (near Temuka) William was the fourth and last Canterbury Superintendent.  The township of Rolleston is named in his memory. Buried in the Holy Trinity of Avonside Church Cemetery, Christchurch The story of William Rolleston: http://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/rolleston-william-rolleston-1809-1903-pronounced-rolston/ Photo taken by Annette Bulovic

Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort

Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort (1825 – 1898)   Died of old age      Place of Death: Christchurch Benjamin was the first official Provincial Architect, designing buildings such as the Canterbury Museum, Arts Centre, Christchurch Cathedral, Addington Prison, St Peter’s Anglican Church of Papanui. Buried in the Holy Trinity of Avonside Church Cemetery, Christchurch The story of Benjamin …