HOLY TRINITY HISTORY

(Brief history)
The Bishop had arrived in New Plymouth on October 28, after having travelled the 250 miles from Wellington on foot. The journey took 18 days. He was met by Mr. Wicksteed, Resident Agent for the New Zealand Com­pany and lodged at the house of Captain Cooke.

On October 31, Bishop Selwyn, with the Chief Justice, Mr. Martin, walked over the greater part of the town, and selected sites for churches.
His second visit was made in November 1843. He had walked and canoed from Thames to New Plymouth, a distance of 550 miles. reaching New Plymouth in time to wel­come Rev. Mr. Bolland and install him as Deacon in charge of the New Plymouth area.

 St Mary's Parish was established in 1843. Its first vicar soon died of typhoid but his successor, Henry Govett, remained for 50 years. Henry Handley Brown provided ministry in the rural areas from his base at Omata for about 40 years.