Avonside Parish has a historic graveyard, in the centre of which stands a lovely new church building. Fallen gravestones are now set into concrete bases, columbarium plaques repaired or replaced. In December 1855, the parish of Christchurch was divided into the parishes of Papanui, Riccarton, Avonside, Upper Heathcote, Lower Heathcote, and Christchurch with Middle Heathcote. Money was collected, land given, trustees and church wardens appointed. In February 24 1857, Avonside church and burying grounds were consecrated by Bishop Selwyn, and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The church was demolished in September 2011 after it was badly damaged by the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. It had been situated just to the east of Stanmore Road, on the Avon River. It was approached by an avenue of trees. At the end of this, through a quaint wooden porch and gate - a lych-gate - opening on to the churchyard, stood the Avonside church, thought by many to be the prettiest in the province.