Sign In / Register
A 15-year journey came to a successful conclusion last week when parishioners of St Chad’s Anglican Church in Orewa gathered for a special service to bless the opening of the new church hall.
The recently retired Reverend Steve Down returned to take the service and was joined by the Bishop of Auckland, Bishop Ross Bay, Archdeacon Carole Hughes, and Reverend Pamela Sheath.
As a stunning crimson sunset glowed outside, Reverend Steve recalled how during spouting repairs on the original hall, the contractors discovered water was running the wrong way. Upon investigation, they found subsidence in the north-west corner of the hall, serious enough that the only viable solution was to replace the hall.
Thus the fundraising journey to raise $1.5 million began. Reverend Steve said a boost came from a generous bequest by Iris Brook, and then the church community took up the cause.
They organised multiple fundraising activities, including bake, book, and cake sales, community markets, concerts, raffles, knitting and donations.
Reverend Steve played his part too, undertaking a sponsored swim with the sharks at Kelly Talton’s.
With support from the Diocese and other trust funds, the money was finally raised and Reverend Steve gave heartfelt thanks to the church community.
“Well done, you must be proud, it has been a team effort, everyone has had a part to play in this. Now we can move on to Holy Trinity (in Silverdale). It’s a wonderful achievement.”
Building committee chairman Bill Carter spoke about the journey once the funding was in place, and the hurdles they still faced, such as getting the plans signed off by the Diocese Faculty committee and permission from them to proceed.
That took a few more years, after their first plan was knocked back, but finally after extensive research and planning they were given the green light in 2021 and building began, he said. However it was not all smooth sailing as their building contractor closed down in 2024, leaving them in the lurch.
Fortunately, the project manager Sam Beguelly stepped up and took over the build and managed it through to its successful completion, Bill said.
“I was impressed and delighted in the way he managed the project, it was by his efforts and all the people involved that we are celebrating the opening of our new hall. It would not have been possible without everyone’s support.”
The Bishop Ross Bay says a church hall is for more than just the parishioners.
“A church hall is a place for the wider community to gather. With a growing population like the Hibiscus Coast, you have to have facilities for people to meet and share activities. With the old hall falling apart, we had to have something here. The parish was fortunate that when they were facing the challenge, everyone stepped up, it was very much a “can do” project.”
