The present Kirk Bride replaced an earlier church which dated from around 1200.
The present church was consecrated in 1876 by Bishop Selwyn. The Architect was either Joseph Henry Christian or Ewan Christian.
The Adam and Eve stone from the earlier church, and which once formed part of chancel floor, is now on an inside wall (this is one of just six in the British Isles).
"The foundation stone of the present church was laid on July 29, 1869, by the wife of the then Lieutenant Governor, Mrs Loch.
Its construction was not uneventful, as it was discovered that the weight of the structure would make it sink into the soft ground if precautions were not taken. Masonry from the old church was therefore used to provide a solid foundation.
As work proceeded, funds became exhausted and parishioners feared they would see themselves worshipping in a broken, half-finished structure.
Fortunately, the church was saved by Miss Isabella Callister, a local philanthropist who stepped in to complete the building at a cost to herself of £600. Miss Callister (later Mrs Farrant) also built the rectory."
The church design is based on a simple basilica plan, with a semi-circle apse and high Lombardic tower. The edifice comprises a nave and chancel. The windows are all stained glass, all given by local benefactors. It can accommodate a congregation of 150.
"Dedicated to St Bridget, the church was consecrated on September 8, 1876, by Bishop Selwyn, first bishop of New Zealand, later bishop of Lichfield.
The oak altar, prayer desk, pulpit and oak font cover are all work of John Kelly of Kirk Michael.
The eagle lectern was purchased in 1893. Bishop Wilson’s chair was given to the church by the late Mrs R. W. Lascelles in 1933.
The organ was installed in 1882 by a Mr H. W. Hewitt from Leicester who accepted the old harmonium as £15 part payment, so the total remaining cost was reduced to £50."
The Original church dated from around 1200 and was rebuilt and consecrated in 1876 by Bishop Selwyn. The Architect was either Joseph Henry Christian or Ewan Christian.
The Adam and Eve stone which once formed part of chancel floor is now on an inside wall (this is one of just six in the British Isles).
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