Birkenhead Gospel Hall: 1920s–1940s

This history of BCC continues on from Early days at BCC: 1912–1920s

As Birkenhead grew, so did our church, and in the 1920s the members developed plans for a building of their own. Mrs Stewart, now a widow, owned two shops and a dwelling in lower Hinemoa Street. She gifted the building to the church, on the condition it was converted into a hall.

Gospel Hall building, Hinemoa St, 1920s

The two-storey building used for the Gospel Hall is clearly seen in the centre-left of this photo, on Hinemoa St. In the foreground is Maritime Terrace. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections B0432

Helped by generous gifts from assemblies throughout New Zealand, the conversion was completed, and the Birkenhead Gospel Hall was formally opened in October 1929, in a great weekend of celebrations including an open air service, afternoon tea and a Sunday school meeting. The formal opening was presided over by Robert Laidlaw (the founder of Farmers), with addresses given by noted evangelists and speakers, and was reported in the New Zealand Herald and the Auckland Star.

By 1929, the Birkenhead Borough had 2500 people on its electoral roll. Hinemoa Street was the main part of the town, containing a good number of shops, and was thriving even during the Great Depression. It was referred to as the Great North Road, carrying traffic from the Birkenhead wharf to all parts north, and was so busy calls were already being made for a harbour bridge. The high traffic could be problematic: in 1938 Mr Stott, on behalf of the church, donated £10 to the council towards the repair of the footpath in front of the Hall.

A local resident of the time recalls that the Gospel Hall was busy on Sundays. Advertisements from the period note Sunday evening gospel services, the Sunday school, and weeknight Bible meetings. Members would occasionally contribute to meetings at other Auckland assemblies.

Birkenhead Point, c. 1940-1945

Aerial view of Birkenhead Point, showing Hinemoa Street rising (in a C shape) from the wharf. The Gospel Hall can just be seen in the top left corner. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections B0443

The war years intervened, affecting all of Birkenhead, and creating many new stories. One of these is of Don Stott, Mr & Mrs Stott’s youngest son, who was awarded the DSO & Bar, and recommended for a Victoria Cross for his actions with the Special Operations Executive in Greece. He was killed while on a Mission for Z Force in Borneo. Don Stott was one of those who never came home – but many others did, looking to settle down, and inspiring a whole wave of new developments in the area, as the borough became increasingly urbanised.