Looking at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, one of Suva's oldest surviving wooden structures.  The church's origins trace back to a pivotal meeting on January 16, 1883, where a small self-appointed committee gathered in the Suva schoolhouse to deliberate the establishment of a Presbyterian place of worship in the town. In a remarkable eight months, on September 23, 1883, the inaugural service was held in the new church. Unfortunately, the original building fell victim to a cyclone that struck Suva on January 5, 1895.

Undeterred, the resilient congregation rallied to reconstruct, and by April 1895, the present wooden church graced Suva once again. Designated a Heritage Building by the National Trust of Fiji, Saint Andrew's is a cherished piece of Suva's architectural legacy.

A noteworthy addition to the church's history is the installation of its first pipe organ in 1908 - a New Zealand craft organ commemorating the church's 25th anniversary. Costing 470 pounds, this musical treasure served the congregation for 80 years before restoration became necessary. In a unique decision, Saint Andrew's opted to retain a manual pipe organ, distinguishing itself from other churches in Suva.

Constructed entirely of wood, the church boasts a distinctive design reminiscent of rural churches abroad. Beyond its architectural significance, Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church held a pivotal role in the social fabric of Suva, serving as a meeting and entertainment hub for the early European settlers in 1885.

From: https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/st-andrews-presbyterian-church-43023.html