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The Tapestry

The Tapestry.

In 1990, to mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, the women of First Church collaborated on the stunning tapestry that hangs on the southern wall of the sanctuary.

It took 19 women a total of 6 ,000 hours over six years to complete the work. On the left panel, two churches that Thomas Burns served in before coming to Dunedin are depicted, one in Prestwick, the other in Monkton, both southwest of Glasgow.

The central panel shows the Philip Lang and the John Wickliffe, the two ships that carried the first loads of settlers. Above the ships is a pillar of golden light representing Christ, guiding the ships on their journey.

On the right hand panel shows the First Church building in the midst of the Dunedin cityscape. The motif of journey is a rich one for all the people of First Church. The ancestors of our Samoan and Cook Island congregations were great sea voyagers, who more recently travelled to make their home here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

As people of faith, the exodus of the Israelites from slavery through the wilderness to the Promised Land, stands as a metaphor for the life of faith.

As you enjoy your time here in First Church, you might like to reflect on your own journey. What are you leaving behind? What are you hoping to find? Who is travelling with you? And what do you need to continue on your way?