INVERCARGILL, New Zealand – The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) has officially acquired the former Southland Masonic Lodge building, located at 80 Forth Street, Invercargill, New Zealand.

This magnificent and historic structure is recognized by the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga organization as a Category 1 Historic Place, highlighting its special or outstanding significance in the country due to its Greek-Egyptian architecture. Purchased by the Church for NZ$1,150,000, this acquisition comes after two other properties were recently purchased by the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Auckland and Christchurch, respectively, earlier this year.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, a program and ceremony was held at the property to mark its official purchase by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ). Brother Uziel Bongares, District Supervising Minister of the Ecclesiastical District of New Zealand South, represented the Church and accepted the ceremonial key to the property from Invercargill Mayor, Tom Campbell. During the ceremony, Mayor Campbell spoke of the significance of the acquisition for the community in the Invercargill region, “Too often nowadays we hear of churches closing as congregations have dwindled. So it gives me enormous pleasure to see a new one opening in Invercargill.”

The impressive two-story, free-standing brick structure was built in 1926 and sits on an elevated position in the heart of Invercargill. It features two large halls which can seat up to 500 people, along with multiple function rooms, and 70 parking spots.

After the required renovations to tailor the building to the worship needs of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, this historic edifice will serve as the worship building for the Invercargill Congregation, which has been present in the region for nine years as of the time of writing. Brother Jerome Montes, a pioneer member of the Invercargill Congregation, expressed the significance of this momentous acquisition, “We are so grateful to be blessed by our Lord God … [This is] a momentous event to have this new house of worship for us to use and to continue our services to God.”

During the ceremony, District Supervising Minister, Brother Uziel Bongares, spoke of the efforts and sacrifices of the members in Invercargill, and the hope it brings to all the members here. “This blessing belongs to all of you and to each and every one who will come to worship the Lord God in this beautiful building. … May this beautiful edifice be filled with prayers, filled with worship, filled with unity, and filled with faith.”

The Iglesia Ni Cristo is a Christian religion present in more than 160 countries and territories, widely recognized for its humanitarian and community efforts.

For more about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) and its activities,  please visit www.iglesianicristo.net