The small team of Friends of St David’s Trust has worked for seven years to save St David’s from demolition. A positive turn of events saw Ted Manson ONZM, Founding Patron of Friends of St David’s Trust, buy the three church properties. The ownership of the category A historic church will transfer into Friends of St David's Trust where it will be preserved and restored.

Friends of St David’s Trust is a charitable trust (non- religious), established to protect St David’s and to see it serve the community. Paul Baragwanath, Chair, Friends of St David’s Trust gave us an update on what’s next for St David’s.

"The future for St David’s is exciting – and meaningful," says Paul. "St David’s history as the Soldiers’ Memorial Church will continue; it will always be a living memorial and a sacred space, though no longer a Presbyterian Church. Its architecture lends itself to an excellent acoustic venue, and it will become a centre for acoustic music to serve a very broad community. It will be a place where all of Auckland can participate in the making and sharing of music.

"There are two key aspects to the building works that need to be done. The trust have the funds to address immediate deferred maintenance. Beyond that, there is plenty more money to be raised to set St David’s up for the next century of service. If you would like to donate to a meaningful project that will make a difference there are a few choices including becoming a Founding Friend, Founding Patron or Founding Benefactor.

“We are going to need a lot of hands, grants and donations to see St David’s serve Uptown, the Auckland region, and the whole country.

To support the preservation of heritage, community spaces and music, please pledge your support today.”

To volunteer, donate or pledge to become a Founding Friend, Patron or Benefactor email contact@SaintDavidsFriends.org.nz