Building History

In 1986, Mana Baptist Church discussed the use of community facilities in order to do outreach in the Whitby area. At the time there were plans for the building of a community centre in Whitby, but these were delayed during 1986, and reactivated by the Hutt County Council in 1987. Included in those plans were large Plunket rooms and a children's area, a community meeting room and a library area.

Mana Baptist, at first, tried very hard to buy what it considered to be the most suitable section available, but the consortium controlling the development of Whitby would not sell it, as that section was designated on its plans for a petrol station. The Anglican church is now on that site.

Mana Baptist then turned its attention to a section adjacent to the community centre, and, in October 1987, had an architect develop a provisional scheme for a Baptist Centre with a 200 person auditorium. The plan showed how the church could fit in with the community centre. A stumbling block was the restricted access to the site, and Mana negotiated with the consortium to have the access improved. The consortium, the Hutt County Council and Mana Baptist Church agreed to share equally the $100,000 cost of putting in the improved access and car parking - that is the service road which runs past this church today, and car parks opposite. The consortium paid the engineering costs, and the Hutt County Council agreed to take over the completed roading, footpath, drainage, and public parking area and be responsible for all future maintenance.

With the access resolved the section was purchased by Mana Baptist Church. The purchase was financed by Wellington Baptist Association, and Mana Baptist Church. Mana Baptist continued to pay the mortgage until the Whitby Fellowship was formed and they were able to take over the repayments. Mana Baptist then handed the section over to the Whitby Fellowship.

In early 2000 a committee was set up to discuss and research with each group within the church their requirements and wish lists for space and facilities that they would require within a building. From these the committee had discussions with an architect and produced some concept drawings to utilise the space and environment.

After several refinements with the architect the preliminary and detailed plans were finally completed in 2001 and City Council Certificate of Compliance and Building Consent obtained. Then in October 2001 we sent out tender documents to a number of construction firms. On Sunday the 4th December 2001 at a members meeting approval was obtained to begin construction of stages 1 and 2 of the facility to lockup stage. Full construction is being done in four stages so the church can start to be used before it's fully completed.

Parkers Construction began work in January 2002 and the first stages are now complete. The church will be using the new facilities for both church and community activities such as youth groups, parents evenings, art exhibitions and marriage courses.

God has been good to us as a church and we are very excited our building. Not only has God given Whitby Lakeside Baptist people this building he has also given it to the Whitby community.

Our aim as a church is to be a presence in this community and beyond, sharing the hope that God offers us through Jesus Christ. Even though this building has 'Baptist' in its signage - it is open to all who want to come and hear and experience something of the love that God has for each of us. We want to make a difference in this community and we believe that this building is another tool that will help us do that.