Sumner-Redcliffs Anglican Church: 150th Celebration
In November 2026, our Parish will commemorate 150 years of faithful service and worship to the glory of God in the Sumner-Redcliffs area, a milestone made all the richer by the fact that St Andrew's Redcliffs itself celebrates 120 years in the same year. Together, these anniversaries speak to a long and enduring history of faith, worship, and service in our community.
This is a significant occasion in the life of our church. To honour it fittingly, we have planned a full week of celebration, beginning on Tuesday 24 November and culminating in a combined church service with Bishop Peter on Sunday 29 November.
On this page you will find all the key information about how we intend to commemorate this wonderful occasion, along with details of how you can take part in the festivities. We warmly invite you to join us as we celebrate 150 years of God's faithfulness to our Parish.
While there is much planned for the week of celebration to commemorate the 150th anniversary of our Parish, our intent is to bracket the week with worship and thanksgiving. The week will begin with a contemporary worship and praise evening on Tuesday 24 November, and conclude with a combined church service on Sunday 29 November. Our aim is to focus our hearts and minds upon God as we gather to celebrate, reminisce, and look forward to the future. As we mark this milestone, it is our earnest hope that our Parish would continue to be a visible and vibrant community,following faithfully in the way of Jesus for many years to come.
Scroll down to see more details about what's on for the 150th celebrations!
Tuesday 24 November: Worship Evening
Contemporary worship evening. 7pm Nayland St Chapel. An opportunity to open the week with praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to us over the last 150 years.
Wednesday 25 November: All Saints Site Visit
Christchurch City Council have granted us limited access to the original All Saints site on Wakefield Ave. Access is for Parishioners and their loved ones. Visits will have time and group size limits. Attendees will need to abide by all health and safety instructions.
Thursday 26 November: Looking Back
‘Looking Back,’ an evening to reimincse and share fond memories of life at Sumner-Redcliffs. This will be catered with light refreshments. A commemorative book will be available for people to record memories in. This book will then be stored with the Diocesan Archives.
Saturday 28 November: Parish Party
To commemorate St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, we are having a ceilidh Scottish dancing party. Live music, catered, and hosted at Sumner School Hall, this ticketed event promises to be the high point of our week of celebration. All ages and stages are welcome.
Sunday 29 November: Combined Service
A combined church service will be held at 10:30am at Sumner School Hall, bringing our congregations together in one shared act of worship. We are delighted that Bishop Peter will be joining us as we round off our week of celebration.
Following the service, everyone is welcome to stay for a semi-catered lunch on the school lawn (inside if wet), along with a bouncy castle, candy floss, and games for all ages. A photographic display charting the history of the Parish will also be available to view, offering a chance to look back with gratitude over 150 years of God's faithfulness.
Commemorative Booklet
To commemorate our 150th anniversary, a special booklet is being produced. Copies will be available for purchase, at cost, from Sunday 29 November onwards.
This commemorative booklet follows on from our previous 100th and 125th anniversary booklets, and brings together the recent history of Sumner and St Andrew's Redcliffs into one volume.
Copies of the original booklets will also be available for perusal after the combined service.
