St Alban’s parish was first an extension of St Aidan’s Anglican parish, Claudelands. It began in a church hall, built on the corner of Comries and Herbert Roads to serve the new suburbs of Queenwood and Chartwell. It was then the only community building in the area. In 1966, a core group of local Christians from Anglican, Methodist and Presbyterian backgrounds decided that if they worked together in one church, pooling resources, they would then provide a natural focus for Christian worship and action in the neighbourhood, and so combined worship began. This concept was in accord with the growing enthusiasm in the national churches for progress towards unity. It was in this context that Chartwell Church became a reality. Community use was encouraged from the beginning: Plunket, kindergarten, indoor bowls, flower shows. There were active women’s and youth groups, a large Sunday School and a Spring Fair.

Because of the need for more space, in 1973, the Anglican building was moved to the large Methodist site on the corner of Comries Road and Bellmont Avenue, Chartwell, and with Presbyterian funds was greatly extended. In June 1975, the parish was reformed under national guidelines as the Co-operating Parish of St Alban’s, Chartwell and in July, St Mary’s, Gordonton [ex Cathedral Parish] became part of the Cooperating Parish. They are now a stand alone Parish again. From 1977 – 1983, the Rototuna Methodist Church was also part of the Parish. Ministry through the years has been provided, from each of the denominations. As a response to continuing church growth and needs of the community, the church complex has been enlarged, altered and added to a number of times. In 2000, the completion of a new worship centre gave additional space and more flexible possibilities.