Our History

Early Beginnings (1901-1903)

The roots of Waihi Baptist Church go back to early 1901, when Baptist work first began in Waihi with support from Thames Baptist Church and the Auckland Baptist Auxiliary. In those early stages, Rev. W. Perry helped lead the developing ministry. At one point, while supporting the work, he also studied at Knox College in Dunedin.

For a period of time, two Sunday services were held each week in the Foresters’ Hall on Upper Haszard Street. During this early season of ministry, Mr Guy Thornton also took responsibility for the work locally.

On 18 September 1903, the congregation was formally constituted as Waihi Baptist Church with a foundation membership of 27 people, marking the official beginning of a Baptist church presence in Waihi.

First Church Building (1904)

A major step forward came in 1904 when the congregation purchased its first permanent building. This was the former Miners’ Union Hall from the gold-mining settlement of Waitekauri, originally built around 1895 during the mining boom.

The building was carefully relocated to Seddon Street in Waihi. After renovations and adjustments were completed, it was officially opened for worship on Sunday, 4 December 1904.

Mr G. St Clair Heard, the church’s first Secretary and Treasurer, played a key role in organising the purchase and relocation of the building. At the time, the Waihi Daily Telegraph recorded the significance of the moment, noting that after years of meeting in temporary venues, the congregation now had “a commodious building of their own” for worship.

Service Through the Years

As the church became more established in the town, many members served faithfully over long periods. One of the most notable examples was Mr Samuel H. Brown, who served as church secretary from 1910 to 1948 and as treasurer from 1911 to 1945—an extraordinary commitment spanning decades.

Through the early and mid-20th century, Waihi Baptist Church continued to grow as a steady and valued part of the town’s spiritual life.

Growth and Transition

By the time of the Diamond Jubilee in 1962, church membership had grown to 65 people. During this period, planning had already begun to move from the ageing Seddon Street building to a more suitable and modern facility for future ministry.

The original Seddon Street church building was later sold and went on to serve the community in different ways over time, including as a bargain centre, café, and art market—remaining part of Waihi life even after its time as a church.

The Present

As a church family, we’re still very much active in Waihi and involved in the life of the community through a number of ministries

Today we are led by Pastor Benhur Matautia currently in his 10th year, and as a church we continue to build on more than 120 years of God’s faithfulness in Waihi.

When we look back, we’re grateful for all those who went before us and laid strong foundations. And as we look ahead, we want to keep doing the same, faithfully following Jesus and serving Waihi for generations to come.

Today, we meet as Waihi Baptist Church at 3 Gilmour Street, Waihi. While buildings and locations have changed over time, what we’re about hasn’t changed, we’re here to worship God, serve our community, and share the message of Jesus Christ.

Our mission still shapes who we are:

“Living as Christ’s followers, sent into the world to make disciples, by showing His love and proclaiming His story.”