Where Anglican History Was Made

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 184, 25 October 1927, Page 14

Where Anglican History Was Made

HISTORIC ST. STEPHEN’S CHAPEL TO BE RESTORED After years of disuse, the little chapel of St. Stephen's, above Judge’s Bay, in which much history was made, is to be restored. Built in 1848 by Bishop Selwyn, it was the chapel in which the constitution of the Church of England in New Zealand was signed in 1857. At Synod yesterday, Canon H. Mason, of Howick, moved a resolution that steps should be taken to preserve the buildings and articles with historic attachment in the diocese. Archbishop Averill thanked Canon Mason for bringing up the subject. “In one sense St. Stephen’s Chapel is almost the most historical building in New Zealand,” he said. “I am sure you will be glad to know that a contract has now been signed for placing the old chapel in good repair. “We received permission at last general synod to spend £SO from the General Chapel Trust on the restoration of the chapel and. although we have that amount, it will not cover all the expenses. I hope the chapel will be more than restored; I hope it will be used, even if only for the celebration of Holy Communion.” MEANS OF PRESERVATION Canon Mason said there seemed to be considerable need for an inquiry into the best means of preserving old ecclesiastical buildings and historical Church records. The old Church of St. Thomas, at Tamaki, was now in a very ruinous condition, although in the memory of many its state was such that it could have been preserved. It was understood the City Council was to care for St. Stephen’s Cemetery in the future, but it was certain that the next generation of church people would be astounded and horrified at this. St. Stephen’s Chapel might almost be called the Runnymede of the New Zealand Church. Canon Grant Cowen said that it was tragic to see historic buildings failing into decay through neglect. It was to be hoped that the mission school at Kohimarama would be preserved. The resolution was carried and a special recess committee was appointed to report at the next session of Synod.