On the 12th of January 2025 the Diocese celebrates the anniversary of the first Mass prayed by Bishop Pompallier in the home of the Poynton family at Totara Point in January 1838.
Thomas and Mary Poynton from the Archive Photograph Collection
The Poyntons were the first documented laity in New Zealand. You can read about them in Nicholas Reid’s Founders and Keepers – Men and Women Who Made the Catholic Diocese of Auckland, CPC Publishing 2011.
In 1965 descendants of the Poynton Family presented Bishop James Liston with the Poynton family bible. As with many family bibles the details of the Poyntons are written on one of the pages.
The bible is in a poor state so it is hoped that this year’s book conservation budget will be used for its restoration so once again it can be used for displays on the history of the diocese.
What a fascinating historical find. It’s a reminder that, other than the original settlers most Americans are either immigrants or descendants of immigrants.
We often no little about our long deceased family members.
I’m a poynton
Do visit the archives to see the Poynton family bible