Press Release re Durham Street Methodist Church

The Methodist Church sends its heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all who have died, been injured or lost family and friends in the devastating earthquake that hit our city last week.

Three men from the South Island Organ Company who were removing the pipe organ from the damaged Durham Street Methodist Church were tragically killed during the earthquake.

The Methodist Church extends our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the three men. We also extend our thoughts and best wishes to the four other men who were in the church at the time of the earthquake and were able to be evacuated from the building.

Given the tragic nature of this situation the appropriate authorities have been informed and an investigation will take place. The Church would like to share some details of the incident so that people impacted by this loss have an understanding of how the situation occurred.

Given the important heritage nature of the building, planning processes around the future of the church had been started.  The pipe organ was being removed to prevent further damage to the organ from aftershocks.   Structural analysis of the Church building following the September earthquake & the major Boxing Day aftershock  had been undertaken and approvals were in place for the work to proceed. 

Our thanks go to the Police, District Court staff and members of the public who helped in the rescue operation. 

The Musical Director & Organist  of the Durham Street Congregation , who had the closest working  relationship  With the South Island Organ Company  has expressed the Church’s heartfelt condolences to the Company , its Staff & families .

The President of the Methodist Church together with the Minister at Durham Street laid 3 bunches of roses from the last remaining rose bush on the property  on the remains of the building on Sunday  afternoon.

The loss of these men who were providing a service to our Church is deeply felt. They and their families will be in our prayers.

Rev David Bush
General Secretary
Methodist Church of New Zealand
3rd March 2011