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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
St. Luke's Anglican Church
St. Luke's Anglican Church is erected on a section of about three quarters of an acre in extent at the corner of Tees and Itchen Streets in Oamaru. The Anglican Church has been represented in Oamaru since the arrival of the Rev. Algernon Gifford in July, 1862, and the first public meeting in connection with the Church was held on the 19th of October of that year. St. Luke's Church is a handsome structure built of Oamaru stone, and consists of a nave and aisles, with seating accommodation for 350 worshippers; the chancel and the spire have still to be added. Though the building was opened for divine worship on the 29th of October, 1865, the consecration did not take place till the 30th of May of the following year. The congregation averages about 250, and there are about 300 communicants. A convenient schoolroom was erected in 1897. It adjoins the church, and a Sunday school, with 250 scholars and twenty-five teachers, is conducted in this building. The vicarage in connection with St. Luke's Church is known as “The Glebe, and is occupied by the Rev. Algarnon Gifford, who was for many years in charge of St. Luke's parish; the Ven. H. G. Gould, Vicar of St. Luke's and Archdeacon of Oamaru, resides in Hull Street.