Parish history

Ellesmere is a multi-centred Anglican parish, bounded by the Selwyn and Rakaia rivers and the shore of Te Waihora, Lake Ellesmere.  Prior to 1978 there were two parochial districts, each with its own Vicar. In 1978 the two districts were joined and Leeston was chosen to be the centre of the Parish. The Southbridge vicarage, along with Glebe land, was sold.

There are six churches in the Parish.

• St James’, Southbridge 1865, Cnr Hastings and High St Southbridge

• St John’s, Leeston 1872, High St Leeston

• St Luke’s, Brookside 1880, Brookside And Burnham Rd

• St Mark’s, Sedgemere 1882, Leeston Taumutu Rd

• St Mary’s, Irwell 1895, cnr Leeston Rd and Selwyn Lake Rd, Irwell

• Trinity, Dunsandel (St Thomas’ 1884-2004), 25 Hororata Dunsandel Rd, Dunsandel

The Parish logo was adopted in the 1980’s. The fishing boat represents discipleship and the water; Lake Ellesmere and the two rivers that bound our parish.