1869 Christchurch earthquake

The 1869 Christchurch earthquake occurred at 8:00 am on 5 June, near New Brighton, with an estimated Richter magnitude of 6.0. The shock had a Mercalli Intensity of VII–VIII.
The shock damaged several brick and stone buildings in the city, destroying chimneys and damaging the spire of St John's church in Hereford Street.
The effects of the earthquake on stone buildings such as St. Johns prompted the Church of St Michael and All Angels to be built using timber.