Albert St Uniting Church

The Albert St church, circa 1889, carries the cross as the prettiest church in the city, thanks to the distinctive style of architect GHM Addison who left behind a trail of red clay brick churches trimmed with creamy New Zealand oumaru stone. This is his most decorative with its square Victorian gothic tower which is reflected in the surrounding glass of the skyscrapers.

Inside is no less appealing, with its ornate plasterwork, intricate wooden fretwork and magnificent 2250 pipe 19th century organ – all of which make it one of the most sought after churches for weddings. Marriages here reached a peak during World War II when some 16 couples a day lined up to be united here.

Perhaps the biggest line-up though was caused by an invention by a parishioner which was an early version of a projector and word of this contraption that could project images onto a wall had the surrounding streets packed with eager viewers st the time. Visitors to the church can view the curio for themselves.