Henry Thomas Purchas’s A History of the English Church in New Zealand is exactly what it says on the tin, but it’s far from a simple textbook. Written from his unique perspective in the early 20th century, Purchas charts the journey of the Anglican Church from its first tentative missions among Māori communities to its establishment as a central part of colonial society.

The Story

Purchas walks us through the key moments. We see the arrival of the first missionaries, like Samuel Marsden, and the huge challenges they faced. The book doesn't shy away from the tensions—between missionaries and settlers, between different church leaders, and most importantly, between the new Christian teachings and the established Māori worldview. It covers the translation of the Bible into Māori, the founding of schools, and the church's evolving role as New Zealand itself changed.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this special is Purchas’s voice. He was writing as a participant in this story, not a distant observer. You get his opinions, his biases, and his deep care for the subject. Reading it today, you’re getting a double history: the events themselves, and how a man of that time understood them. It’s a primary source that lets you feel the ambitions, frustrations, and convictions of the people who were there.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for anyone interested in New Zealand's colonial history or the history of religion. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy primary sources and don’t mind an older writing style. If you're looking for a modern, critical analysis of colonialism, this isn't it—but as a window into how the church saw its own story a century ago, it’s absolutely fascinating.