As the town grew, Snelson became involved in church initiatives – from October 1872, the Snelsons' home and store were used for Anglican church services and on 29 September 1875 Snelson laid the foundation stone for All Saints Church, the first Anglican church in the town. From 1877 Snelson was Sunday school teacher at the church, and she also developed close relationships with Christian Māori at Awapuni.
