On the frontage of the building is a memorial plaque to the Rev J F H Wohlers, a German missionary, who was the first to bring the Gospel to this part of New Zealand. He ministered to the Maori at Ruapuke Island, off the coast from Bluff, which was one the sites where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. The plaque was erected during Southland's centennial celebrations in 1956.

The foundation stone was laid on the 26th of October 1910 by a former minister of the church, The Rev John Ferguson, then of Sydney, Australia, and the minister at that time, the Rev R M Ryburn, later Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand.

On the left of the foundation stone is a stained glass window based on the theme of Jesus Christ as the good shepherd. This is taken from John's Gospel chapter 10 verse 14, where Jesus is quoted saying: "I am the good shepherd and know my sheep and am known of mine." The window was presented to the church by Mr James H Boyd in memory of his wife, Elizabeth and two sons, Edward and Peter.