The earliest parish in the Opawaho area, stretched along the Heathcote River to Sumner.

No sooner was the first church consecrated near the boat landing area on the river than railway construction revolutionised transport, the geography of Christchurch, and the suburbs in which new churches would be built.

The Church of Saint John the Evangelist was built in December 1857 on Ferry Road near the boat landing place.

Saint Mary’s Church was built in 1860 on the Bridle Path Road near the railway tunnel and officially opened in 1866.

Saint Mark’s Church was built in 1865 near the Opawa railway station.