Gina Satterthwaite attended St Margaret’s College as a high school student and when she heard that the then Principal, Gillian Simpson, was seeking a Chapel for the school, she decided to donate theirs – formerly St Mark’s. So once again it was to be shifted – this time to Merivale Christchurch. It’s arrival was emotional and exciting in the early pre-dawn light, as a karanga sounded and prayers of blessing were said by Bishop Victoria Matthews on 31 January 2018.
On the road again… the roof follows the main structure. Photo: SMC.
The main structure all loaded up and ready to roll. Photo: SMC.
The Chapel at St Margaret’s was refurbished throughout 2018.
The main structure safely arrives at St Margaret’s in early dawn. Photo: SMC. Re-using, re-cycling, re-purposing: The building came from Rotherham, the font came from Waihao Downs, the long pew from a private donor, other pews from Lyttelton, and the altar from St Margaret’s original chapel. Stewardship of the earth and it’s resources in action. St Mark’s, now St Margaret’s has a new life moving forward. Photo: AnglicanLife.
The intention is that the chapel will be used for small services (it can’t host the full school), be a place of reflection and contemplation for both students and staff, as well as hosting small weddings, christenings and funerals for Old Girls. In 2018 work has been ongoing to get the building repaired, refurbished, up to code and ready for the girls to use. The interior fittings have been partly donated: The long pew was gifted by a private donor and some shorter pews came from St Saviour’s, Lyttelton. The font came from St Michael’s, Waihao Downs, while the altar is from the original boarder’s chapel.
Photo: SMC
The Karanga or Call led by Meg Fulton January 2018. Photo: SMC.
St Mark’s Church now intact and sitting at St Margaret’s College. Photo: SMC.
In situ at St Margaret’s. The work has been completed: the exterior, including restoring the bell tower and spire, and the internal fit-out and refurbishment Photo: AnglicanLife.
Our Story
The St Mark’s has now been fully re-purposed as the Chapel for St Margaret’s. It was consecrated for use by Bishop Peter Carrell, the Ninth Bishop of Christchurch, on Sunday 31 March 2019.
| Words – Jo Bean
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