[3] Bishop Selwyn established St. John’s College at the mission in June 1842 to provide theology to candidates for ordination into the Anglican Church.

On 26 September 1844 Bishop Selwyn presided over the first Synod held in New Zealand at the church.

[2] During the Flagstaff War soldiers from the 58th and 99th Regiments, casualties of the Battle of Ohaeawai (July 1845), were buried in the graveyard of the church,[1] including Captain Grant of the 58th Regiment, and Lieutenant George Phillpotts of HMS Hazard.

Some buildings were converted for use by St John’s College to teach theology to candidates for ordination into the Anglican Church.

[3] The candidates for ordination as deacons were:[2] In late 1844 Bishop Selwyn moved his residence and St John’s College to Auckland.