StAC: Our Earthquake Story | The Memorial Chapel Stories

Canterbury Earthquake, 4 September 2010

...And Looking After Our Neighbours In the spirit of willing generosity established by our earliest forefathers, St Andrew’s College students and their families were out and about soon after the earthquake, looking to make a positive difference in the hardest-hit parts of the region.

The power of Facebook was to the fore in mobilising a group of senior students to head for the damaged streets of Kaiapoi to assist with the removal of tonnes of silt that squeezed to the surface during the violent shaking.

The group, which included Cameron Wells, Sam Boanas, Olivia Brown, Olivia Sullivan, Miria Scot-Toft, Will Reid, Annie Rodwell, Hector Roose Clark, Will Fisher, Jess Greene, Samantha Calvert, James Erskine, Maeve Platts, Erin Ritchie, Alexander Schwertheim, Stew Whitehead, Rachelle Crequer, Joe Stuart, Chris Johnston, Guy Simpson, Abbey-Rose Clarke, Courtenay McCulloch, Daniel Youngman, Jack Pringle and Tim Greene, helped to clean out gutters and footpaths and spent a day manning a road block in the Spencerville / Brooklands area.

“The residents of the areas we helped out in were really grateful,” say Miria Scot-Toft and Rachelle Crequer.

“The elderly people, in particular, needed help as the silt was incredibly heavy and they wouldn’t have been able to move it themselves. We were really pleased to be able to help in such a practical way.”

Samantha Calvert at work in Kaiapoi in the days immediately following the quake.

Meanwhile a group of 17 students gathered at the home of Year 12 Dean, Donna Jones, during the week after the quake, to make sandwiches and pizzas for the City Mission night shelter. A large quantity of food was prepared, as the shelter relies on donations from the community. Following the earthquake, however, donated food had to be directed elsewhere. Many of the men who visit the shelter for supper each night are homeless and were severely traumatised by the quake, given their already desperate situation.

There were many other examples of St Andrew’s students and families working hard to make a difference. Annabelle Giesen spent two days baking and delivering homemade products to construction workers around Merivale, much to their delight!

Isaac Zarifeh’s family went to Avonside to help shovel silt. Harry Lloyd and his family also helped with the clean-up in Kaiapoi. Taylor Boyd worked the entire week at a warehouse so that it could get back up and running.

He worked five consecutive eight-hour days for no pay to get the job done.

Undoubtedly there were others, and we apologise if we have missed names and occasions. The crisis demonstrated just how willingly our community was prepared to pull together and act on the DPR value of generosity, which is promoted so strongly at school.

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Matt McCutcheon and Bryn Kerr cook up a storm, ready to donate to the City Mission night shelter after the earthquake.

Leadership and governance

From the Rector Things do not always happen as planned. At prize giving at the end of last year, my theme centred around the Maori proverb, Te toka tu moana, ara toa rongonui – Your strength is like a rock, standing in raging waters.

This strength refers to the foundation on which St Andrew’s College is built; the Presbyterian founders, the Scottish traditions, the unwavering commitment to sound education and Christian values. Never have we valued these foundations more than at the present time. At the end of 2010 we were anticipating moving on from the challenges of the September earthquake and our Annual Plan for 2011 was firmly in place.

Little did we anticipate that events in February would challenge this resolve yet again.

However, once again, our St Andrew’s community has rallied. Collectively we have solved problems, overcome challenges and supported each other – determined to have confidence in our future.

Certainly we have plenty of challenges ahead. We have damaged buildings in need of repair, including, sadly, two of our iconic, historic buildings – Strowan House and the Memorial Chapel – to which so many are emotionally connected.

We have boarding houses and the pipe band room to be demolished and our main teaching block in the Secondary School, the Arts Block, needs significant strengthening work.

However, in spite of these challenges, our students have returned and in most aspects of College life it is “business as usual” – sports teams are in full swing, the Senior School production has, as usual, captivated audiences and students continue to pursue their academic goals.

I am very grateful to all Board members and staff who have worked so hard to enable the school to operate effectively and for the support of so many of our extended community. I know too that my thoughts and sympathies extended to our students and families who lost loved ones are echoed by you all.

As we adjust to these uncertain and unpredictable times, we are beginning to go back to the plans and goals we had at the start of 2011. We are making necessary adjustments, and our resolve to realise these goals is as strong as ever. One thing is certain; our strength continues to come from the foundations on which St Andrew’s College has been built.

Kind regards

Christine Leighton Rector

Leadership and Governance

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From the Board In the final Regulus of 2010 I gave a summary of the damage caused by the 4 September 2010 earthquake and an assurance of the Board’s determination to restore damaged buildings.

We finished 2010 on an optimistic note, with a full roll, a strong balance sheet, an inkling that NCEA results would exceed expectations, and that satiable feeling which comes from a community displaying unity of purpose.

Garry Moore Chairman

In this edition I had fully intended to provide an update of progress on repairing the 2010 damage. Strowan was repaired and fire-proofing sprinklers were installed, the Preparatory School all weather turf levelled and almost refinished and our responsiveness to evacuation procedures was sharpened.

It was business as usual until 12:51pm on 22 February 2011 when, in a few seconds, our plans and resources were once again severely compromised by the power of nature.

We knew immediately that this time it was worse.

Much worse. We pause to think of those who have lost loved ones. We think of those who have suffered material loss and damage to homes and businesses. We count our blessings after each and every aftershock. All of our lives have changed and our city may well have changed forever.

We repeat the thanks expressed following the 2010 earthquake knowing that this time the challenges are greater. One feels like using capital letters to express the degree and sincerity of our thanks. The Board is fully satisfied and supportive of every action taken by the crisis response team and, once again, would like to put on record our sincere thanks to Christine Leighton, David Evans and all of the staff involved in getting the College back to normal quickly.

We thank all staff, students and parents for their support and resilience during the difficult time. Now we must move on, and in doing so we are determined to embrace the opportunities before us.

Unfortunately, the Pipe Band room, Thompson House, MacGibbon House and part of Rutherford House will have to be demolished. The Board has affirmed the College’s commitment to Boarding and planning is well underway for a new purpose built facility.

The opportunity is there to build the best boarding accommodation in New Zealand, how and where we want it.

Boarding is integral to the sustainability of the College.

The earthquake has caused a rethink of the Master Works Plan and this has become the short term priority.

Student and staff safety will not be compromised which is why the Arts Block and Rutherford House are closed until non-insured strengthening work is completed.

These buildings were designed and built in the 1960s and 70s and although neither building suffered damage, building codes have altered. The Board has determined that they shall be improved as nearly as is practically possible to the same extent as if they were new buildings.

Planning is also underway to convert Rutherford House to classrooms and form part of the second gymnasium project once the new boarding houses are completed.

The second gymnasium will be located between Erwin House and Rutherford, and is expected to be completed and ready for use by the beginning of 2013.

The Board is mindful of the financial implications of accelerated spending but is confident that the roll will be maintained at near current levels. There is no intention to change student to teacher ratios (2011 budget 12.25:1 in the Secondary School, and 12.65:1 in the Preparatory School), or to compromise the current service delivery.

We are confident that the long range financial plan remains on track, albeit with altered priorities.

Lastly, I advise that David Boyd will be retiring from the Board by rotation at the AGM in June. David has served on the Board since June 2006 and has acted as Deputy Chairman since 2008. He has been an active member of the master planning committee and took a lead role in establishing the current strategic plan.

On behalf of the College and at a personal level, I bid sincere thanks to David for his wise counsel, insight and the governance skills he brought to the table.

David’s replacement is being considered in light of the new priorities and will be advised shortly.

Garry Moore Board Chairman

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Talking Through Tough Times The earthquake of 22 February wrought havoc on our St Andrew’s community. In the hours following the disaster the Crisis Management Team flew in action and were able to execute the plans put in place after the September quake to respond quickly to ensure student and staff safety and wellbeing. Two people who played an important part in ensuring the wellbeing of staff and students immediately after and in the days since the quake were chaplain Paul Morrow and counsellor John Quinn.

Counsellor John Quinn Immediately after the earthquake John’s priority was checking on staff and assessing students to ensure they were safe. “We phoned the staff and then used texting and Facebook to check on all the students. Once everyone was accounted we could focus on the families who lost loved ones.

Acting Chaplain Paul Morrow A born and bred Cantabrian, Paul has had a long association with St Andrew’s. Before coming to take up the role of Head of Department for Religious Studies last year, he taught at the Prep school for ten years from 1994 2004. From here he moved to the Grace Vineyard church to a role that involved a large amount of pastoral care. It was this position that equipped him with vital skills for dealing with the aftermath of the February quake.

“It meant we were able to move quickly to set up a system of delivering meals to bereaved families or staff who had lost their homes. In total we delivered about 80 meals and were able to support and be there for families who were facing a terrible time,” he says.

Paul says that among the positives to come out of the experience is a database he has established of people who are willing to help out in the future.

Paul didn’t expect to step into the shoes of Chaplain Hamish Galloway quite so soon but is excited about the challenges that lie ahead. “It will be some time before our Chapel is fixed and it's almost impossible to create the same atmosphere and environment in the gym or Prep school corridors but, hey, it’s working and we do our best.”

He says however that it’s once the initial impact of the disaster is over that people can begin to process what has happened.

“After a disaster it’s only natural to be upset and you don’t really need counselling but it’s several months later when you are living in a house that’s broken, travelling on roads that are uneven and generally life is a little bit tougher that it is good to be able to talk about it,” he says.

John, who has a Masters in Counselling from the University of Canterbury has been at St Andrew’s for nine years and says while typically Terms 2 and 3 are the busiest, this year they’ve been busier than usual.

“People are dealing with knowing they can’t control a situation all the time, it’s the onset of winter and some students are feeling a bit behind because of the lost school time.

"We phoned the staff and then used texting and Facebook to check on all the students."

John Quinn

In Loving Memory The St Andrew’s College community was deeply saddened by the loss of four of its members in the devastating February earthquake. Our heartfelt sympathy extends to our students and families who have suffered such unexpected tragedy.

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Beverley & Earl Stick

Jill Murphy

Dr Allan Sinclair

Capital Development Committee A committee, chaired by Peter Eggleton, oversees the campus remedial work and new developments.

David Evans, as General Manager and Project Manager, works closely with a team of architects, and engineers from Holmes Consulting Group and other associated consultants to determine a scheme for projects and oversee the work schedules and budgets.

Capital Development Plan As St Andrew’s College heads towards the Centennial in March 2017, it is important to set a clear vision for future projects. The remedial work from the earthquakes, the uncertainty of the Chapel, demolitions of various buildings and the rebuild of the new boarding houses have all impacted significantly on the vision for the College that was in place prior to February 2011.

An artist’s impression of the new boarding houses.

The Memorial Chapel Since 1954, the spiritual home of St Andrew’s College has been The Memorial Chapel. Generations of St Andrew’s students have worshipped here and many Old Collegians have taken advantage of this beautiful church for weddings, baptisms and funerals.

The Board is presently reviewing its 10-year plan and the priorities for new amenities. It is hoped that, with prudent financial planning and ongoing donor generosity, the College will realise a much needed second gymnasium and sports centre, extended theatre, Pipe Band room, netball courts and Chapel by the Centennial celebrations in 2017. Once the new master plan has been determined, it will be posted on the St Andrew’s College website.

The Chapel was seriously damaged as a result of the series of earthquakes in 2011. Extensive engineering reports have revealed that, while a repair of the Chapel would be possible, the remedial work would be very intrusive and require significant deconstruction and reconstruction of the existing Chapel. Whilst the physical form of the old Chapel would be re-created, large elements of the existing building fabric would have to be replaced. It is anticipated this work would take at least 18 months to complete and the cost is estimated to be twice the level of anticipated replacement insurance cover.

Two other possibilities being considered are a partial preservation of the existing Chapel, with a significant rebuild and extension, and a demolish and rebuild option. The Board’s decision-making process will first consider all the facts around the possible preservation of the existing Chapel. Second, all three options will be evaluated according to criteria of safety, spirituality, history, culture, design (building resilience / environmental impacts / Master Plan context), future amenity (capacity / acoustics and sightlines).

All the information gathered will be considered at the next Board meeting in May and it is hoped a decision will be made at this stage. Information will be placed on the St Andrew’s College website once a decision has been made. The College community has the Board’s assurance that it remains paramount that St Andrew’s retains a Chapel as a special place of worship and remembrance.

All three options for the Chapel will be evaluated according to the following criteria: - Safety - Spirituality - History and Culture - Building Resilience - Environmental Impact - Capacity - Acoustics and Sightlines

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Heritage elements of the existing Chapel, like the gargoyle above, will be preserved as much as possible.

Memorial Chapel Update The College is ready to embark on rebuilding its Memorial Chapel which was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquakes. The Chapel is a significant facility that services the large St Andrew’s community which has a strong emotional connection to the present building. After a robust consultation process the decision has been made to deconstruct the existing Chapel and build a larger Chapel capable of meeting the College’s future needs.

Rector Christine Leighton says it is wonderful news to be moving forward with the Chapel Project and to have support from the St Andrew’s community. “We have been very pleased with the community’s engagement with this important issue. We know that the Chapel is not just a building to our community, but rather the College’s spiritual home and it holds a special place in the hearts of many of our people”.

As part of the Chapel rebuild, the College is organising a major fundraising campaign to solicit the funds which will be necessary to build the Chapel in time for the 2017 Centennial. “The Chapel draws all of our community together – students, parents, staff, and Old Collegians – across the generations,” says Catherine Boyer, Director of Development. “We are going to need everyone’s participation to raise the needed funds. Already so many of our community are working hard to help us successfully meet that goal of having a completed Chapel by 2017.”

COMMUNITY VIEWS Members of the StAC community have been able to provide their views around the Chapel rebuild through a variety of forums including community meetings and the recent Chapel Survey. The Chapel Survey, which was open for six weeks from late August to early October, received 695 responses with all stakeholder groups

represented. Thank you to all community members who completed the survey as it has provided important feedback to the College.

The objective of the survey was to provide the opportunity for all members of the St Andrew’s community to give feedback around elements of the existing Chapel they felt were significant and to comment on aspects of the new Chapel design that were important to them.

Respondents felt that the key traditional elements that were important in the new Chapel would be: communion table (altar); pews; pulpit and baptismal font. The main physical features from the existing Chapel that people would like to see incorporated (as possible) in the new Chapel included: stained glass windows; organ; war memorial enclave; bell tower; use of wood; pews; memorial chairs; gargoyles; and the use of bricks.

Overwhelmingly people supported the use of modern technology; however they felt it should not be obtrusive.

The support services people felt could be included were: toilets; foyer; vestry and kitchen.

Book of Remembrance.

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Community members were asked what three key aspects they considered were important in the design of a good chapel. After careful collation of all answers to this open-response question (598 in total) the top ten concepts in order of response rate were: 1. It should have a “spiritual feel” (beauty/respect/ 6. It should be a versatile space (first and foremost a spiritual place, but it should be a versatile space reverence/peace/inspiration/tranquility/calm) to celebrate life at the College) 2. It should acknowledge the tradition/history of school 7. The facility should be warm and comfortable 3. Capacity is important (it should meet the needs (eg heating, seating etc.) of the College community) 8. It must look and feel like a chapel 4. The facility should have great acoustics 9. It should complement the physical setting 5. The Chapel should make good use of light 10. It should include “heritage elements” from the (natural light, windows etc.) existing Chapel

People felt that it was important that the memorial aspect of the Chapel was acknowledged as well as any donors who help make the new Chapel possible. The key ways people felt this part could be achieved included: 1. Plaques

5. War memorial enclave

2. Photos/displays/artwork

6. Acknowledgement board

3. Use of heritage elements to remember history

7. Stained glass windows

4. Names on pews

8. Book of names (donors etc.)

The key environmental factors people felt should be considered for the new Chapel included: 1. Inclusion of trees on Chapel site

6. The Chapel should be a sustainable facility

2. Inclusion of water in Chapel setting (Strowan Stream or other feature)

7. The Chapel should complement the physical setting

3. Inclusion of gardens in Chapel setting 4. The Chapel to be rebuilt on the current site

8. The bridge over Strowan Stream should be retained 9. Ease of access from Normans Rd 10. The Chapel should be earthquake proof

5. The setting should retain the “peaceful” feeling – serene island away from the busyness of the rest of the school

While it is recognised that the Chapel is primarily a place of prayer and worship the other occasions people felt could be suitable for this space included: 1. Appropriate music performance space 2. Weddings/funerals/baptisms 3. Public speaking (speeches, debating, guest speakers etc.)

4. Appropriate dance and drama

5. Gathering space for parents (eg welcome to the College) 6. Special assemblies, student gathering for celebrations 7. Community meeting space

The data gathered from the survey becomes part of the overall feedback collected so far from the StAC community.

The data also helps to inform our communications strategy as we continue to inform our community of progress with this special project. There will be regular updates posted on both the College website and the Old Collegians website.

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PROGRESS TO DATE A number of significant steps have been taken to move forward with the Chapel Project. Judith Jehru from Arrow International has been appointed to assist the College with the consultation process to select an architect, which is the next stage. Several key groups have been established to ensure that the process continues to be robust.

The Chapel Consultation Group’s purpose is to ensure all key stakeholder opinions are heard and given due consideration in the decision-making process.

Representatives from all key stakeholder groups, including Old Collegians, staff, parents and the Board of Governors are involved.

The Project Control Group consists of the Rector Christine Leighton, General Manager David Evans, Director of Development Catherine Boyer, Board Member Ian Smith, Head of Communications Francesca Eathorne and is facilitated by Judith Jehru.

PCG meetings are held at relevant stages of the project to review progress and make key decisions. The group has recently met to finalise the Chapel vision statement (see insert), the outline brief for architects and to begin the Expression of Interest process.

VISION STATEMENT The new St Andrew’s College Memorial Chapel will be at the heart of the College community – a place of worship, celebration, inspiration and gathering throughout our lives. The Chapel will embody the values, history, traditions and future aspirations of the College. It will commemorate the men and women whose lives were given in service, to community and to country. A place of contemplative beauty, the Chapel and its garden will be a serene island that anchors the College community. A window to St Andrew’s College, the Chapel will welcome members of the College and extended community to a school founded on Truth, Excellence and Faith. While preserving all the important aspects of our past, our new Chapel will look to the future and provide inspiration and opportunity for those yet to come.

NEXT STEPS – ARCHITECT SELECTION The selection of the architect will be a two-stage process. The first stage is an open Expression of Interest request, whereby architects nationwide are invited to prepare a submission that demonstrates their skills and relevant design experience. This EOI period ended in mid-November. A shortlist will be prepared from the submissions received and those architects will be invited to participate in stage two – a competition to design a concept for the new Chapel.

The Assessment Panel will be responsible for selecting the final three to four architects to take part in the competition. The panel comprises Garry Moore (Chairman of the Board), Christine Leighton (Rector), Rev Dr. Graham Redding (Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership, Dunedin), Peter Eggleton (member of the Capital Development Committee) and David Sheppard, President of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.

The Assessment Panel will confirm the shortlisted architects in mid-December so they can begin their Chapel designs in the New Year. It is intended that the selection of the architect will be announced on Founders’ Day next year with a preliminary design to follow.

There has been no date set to deconsecrate the Chapel, however this important ceremony will take place.

Read more about the Chapel at stac.school.nz

SAFETY OF THE HERITAGE ELEMENTS Many of the heritage elements have already been removed from the Chapel and are safely stored says General Manager David Evans. This includes the stained glass windows, the pews, pulpit, baptismal font and war memorial enclave, as well as a number of other important pieces. Recently a meeting was held about significant chapel archives to ensure that key information and archival material (for example, photos and video) is being collated.

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The Future of the Memorial Chapel Ever since the Memorial Chapel was built to honour the memory of those Old Collegians who lost their lives in service to our country, it has always featured prominently in the landscape of St Andrew’s. There won’t be an Old Collegian who doesn’t somewhere have a photograph of the Chapel that captures a season, a moment, or a memory just like the one here after an unexpected snowfall earlier this year.

Currently, the present Chapel does not meet all of the day needs of the College and there is now an opportunity to ensure a new spiritual home that meets St Andrew’s needs as the school moves into its second century.

Over the last twelve months the Board has undertaken extensive consultation with engineers.

Engineer reports clarified that even with complex, invasive and lengthy repairs of the current structure, safety may well remain compromised. The final decision was carefully considered using the following criteria: safety, spirituality, history, culture, design (building resilience/environmental impacts/Master Plan context) and future amenity (capacity/acoustics and sightlines).

On 30 July a meeting was held for representatives from the College’s key community groups to give feedback around the aspects of the Chapel they feel are significant and to contribute to the design brief.

Around 80 guests attended the meeting facilitated by Rev. Dr Graham Redding, Principal of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership in Dunedin, including representatives from the Board and Foundation, Old Collegians, Ladies Circle, PTA, parents, students and staff.

Dr Redding spoke about the history of church design and encouraged participants to consider several key design goals during their group discussion time.

These included: maintaining a balance between the majesty of God and the closeness of God; engendering congregational participation and a sense of lifein-community; providing a clear visual focal point; creating a space that feels sacred, yet also relates to the 'whole of life'; 'contextualising' the building in relation to the local landscape and its larger AotearoaPacific setting; and giving architectural expression to the various narratives and values that comprise the life and history of St Andrew’s.

Rector Christine Leighton says, “We are mindful of the emotion and sense of ownership around the Memorial Chapel. We acknowledge the importance of the significant family occasions many of our community have held in the Chapel and are cognisant of students and staff who have worshipped here for years as part of their lives at St Andrew’s College.”

Key points from the group discussions included: the need for a Chapel with increased capacity; that the ethos and values of the College are fully represented in the new design; that the facility is first and foremost a Chapel and more discussion is required around other suitable uses; more effective acoustics and appropriate use of modern technology.

An early winter snowfall blankets the Memorial Chapel.

Representatives from StAC community groups attended a meeting and

Photo: Grant batty (year 12).

enthusiastically shared their ideas about the new chapel design.

At the Board of Governors' AGM in June, Chair Garry Moore, made an announcement about the future of the Memorial Chapel. This announcement determined that the present building would need to be replaced by a more robust and larger Chapel to take the College into the next one hundred years. The Board remains committed to having a specially designated place of worship that is appropriate for spiritual growth.

The Board wishes to retain as many features of the present Chapel as is practical and possible.

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Formal Farewell to Memorial Chapel On Thursday 24 October several hundred guests joined with students and staff to formally farewell the Memorial Chapel in a decommissioning service led by College Chaplain Paul Morrow. In a poignant start to the proceedings, Dr Ivor Francis (Head Prefect 1955) read the first reading, which was the same reading he read at the dedication of the Memorial Chapel in 1955, and again at the 50th anniversary in 2005. All the readings and hymns were chosen to reflect those that were read and sung at the 1955 dedication service.

Old Collegian Michael England (1960) wrote in to say, “From the piper at the start to the lament at the end, it was such a moving occasion. The choice of lessons, hymns and prayers, and the choice of speakers and their topics was just so appropriate.” Former College

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Chaplain Hamish Galloway (1989–2010) led the litany of decommissioning with Chaplain Paul Morrow. It was an emotional moment as everyone listened to Gus Ellerm (Year 11) play “The Last Post”, which was followed by a minute’s silence.

In her reflection Rector Christine Leighton said, “Today we remember what we have loved and valued – we give thanks for what has been and for the memories. We honour those who had a vision and gave us what became an important part of our lives for 58 years. “We know there is a future of hope and promise, but today is about letting go so that we can embrace what lies ahead in a spirit of optimism and grace.” Guests joined together afterwards in the Strowan House dining room to share their memories of special times in the Chapel.

Chapel Update Concept drawings for our new Chapel have now progressed to working drawings. Architectus has met with key groups from the College, including the College Chaplain Paul Morrow and representatives from ICT, Music and Catering to ensure that these groups’ needs are considered as part of the design process. Important issues such as acoustics, sightlines, audio-visual requirements, placement of the organ and considerations for musical and singing groups have been part of the consultation to ensure feedback from these meetings is incorporated into the design, where possible.

Architectus is exploring the retrieval options of a number of different materials from the Chapel, including many of the heritage items the College has identified. It is intended that the Chapel will be taken down over the

end of year holidays. Building of the new Chapel will begin once fundraising objectives have been met.

Patrick Clifford from Architectus spoke with Old Cols at the recent Auckland function and presented concept drawings for the new Chapel. People enjoyed the opportunity to meet Patrick and to ask questions about the design, particularly with regard the salvaging of heritage items. Architectus also presented to the Board in November and held a session for interested staff, PTA members and representatives from the Old Collegians Association. Feedback from the community about the new design has been very positive and the College is most appreciative of its extended community, which has demonstrated its support and generosity of spirit around the loss of the Memorial Chapel.

An artist’s impression of the new Chapel.

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At the

heart of the

community

The view from Normans Road to the main entrance of the new Chapel.

On Founders’ Day Friday 20 March 2015 the College held a special ceremony for the laying of the foundation stone for the new Chapel.

Students, staff, parents and representatives from the Board and College community groups, (PTA, Old Collegians and Ladies Circle) gathered to celebrate this milestone.

This Chapel will symbolise to our community, our city and our country, the character of our school and our commitment to Truth, Excellence and Faith.

”

CHRISTINE LEIGHTON RECTOR

Rector Christine Leighton said in her speech, “Our new chapel will retain artefacts and historical relics of the Memorial Chapel and the sacrifice made by Old Collegians and staff who have laid down their lives for their country, will be forever in our hearts and minds.

We also remember today all these associated with our school who have died, and feel glad that our beautiful new chapel will stand in memory of them.

Our Chapel also will stand to remind us of the challenges we as a community have faced, most recently earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.”

Many of the Old Collegians who were at the College for their 60 Years On Reunion remember the laying of the foundation stone for the Memorial Chapel in 1952. Wal Scott (OC 1959) said: “It’s quite nice for us to be here when the foundation stone for the new Chapel is laid”. Wal joined with fellow Old Collegian Bill McDonald (1959) to be interviewed by local television station CTV about the new Chapel.

Both spoke of their memories of the Memorial Chapel and the special place it holds it in the hearts of many. Bill, who was a professional solider, said

that upon returning to New Zealand in 1965 he came to the Chapel “wearing my medals and saying I am proud to be part of that memory.”

After the ceremony Mrs Leota’s Year 5 class met Old Collegian Bill McDonald (1959) who shared with them he was in “Standard 3” when he witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for the Memorial Chapel. Bill explained to the students how special it was to be back at the College for the same ceremony for the new Chapel. “I remember the gentleman who set this place in motion, he was so old, and now I am old, and one day you will be old,” he told them.

The students remember that Bill told them that they were lucky to go to the St Andrew’s and that they were “on a journey to success and a wonderful future”. They sang a song for Bill in response to the haka he performed for them.

The students agreed it was great that many of these items had been salvaged and will be incorporated in the new design. Connor likes the “balcony for the choir.” Jenna likes “all the old things they have saved.” Holly likes “the curvy roof” and Finnian likes “all the light” and “the new bridge that goes over to the Chapel.”

Old Collegian Richard Clark (1985) and wife Anne were married in the Memorial Chapel in 1997. Anne says, “I remember moving back to Christchurch and driving past the Memorial Chapel and saying to Richard we should get married there.”

Their daughters Victoria and Olivia were both christened in the Chapel so it is a place that holds many special memories for this family. Richard remembers being a member of the choir and admiring the stained glass

windows and the way the light streamed through them. He is pleased that so many of the heritage elements of the Memorial Chapel like the windows have been able to be incorporated into the new design. He says, “The new design is much-improved and this is a wonderful chance to make it more functional for the College as it is today.”

Rev. Stewart is “really excited” about the design of the new Chapel and “loves the way the light will get in”.

The sense of the outside informing what is inside and a feeling of not being closed off from nature contribute to the beauty of this facility Rev. Stewart believes. He also likes that the community will be gathered in a semi-circle, making services and events feel very connected.

Sharing our special place The College is also pleased to confirm that it will share the Chapel with The Village Presbyterian Church for their Sunday services. St Giles’ and St Stephen’s parishes have joined to form The Village as both of their churches were damaged in the earthquakes.

He believes that churches are traditionally storied places that inform what we do but not restrict it.

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Rev. Martin Stewart from The Village has been involved with St Andrew’s for around seven years from when he was moderator for the Christchurch Presbytery. He works closely with College Chaplain Paul Morrow and often leads services for St Andrew’s.

An interior view of the Chapel, including the balcony that seats just under 50 people.

He says that many from the Papanui and Bryndwr communities that make up The Village feel a close connection to St Andrew’s and want to support the College. They look forward to welcoming the wider school community to their services. College Chaplain Paul Morrow agrees that it is “wonderful to be able to share our special place with the wider community, especially in this post-earthquake environment where so many communities have lost their places of worship.”

Regulus

Community meets Chapel architect On 19 March the College held a community evening with Chapel architect Patrick Clifford. Patrick shared the vision for the Chapel and how the design process has unfolded.

Patrick spoke about the footprint of the Memorial Chapel and how that the new Chapel will house its bell tower in the exact same location.

He commented on the juxtaposition of light and heavy materials to pay homage to the College’s Scottish ancestry and those early churches with their heavy stone architecture.

Resources and Environment

A view of the new Chapel looking across Strowan Stream from the main driveway.

A lone piper (Tim Miller, Year 13) plays on the cleared Chapel site signifying the beginning of the laying of the foundation stone ceremony. Students gathered on the banks of Strowan Stream just as they did in 1952 for the same ceremony for the Memorial Chapel.

Abigail Wiseman (Year 2) is pictured here in prayer. Garry Moore, Board Chairman, lifts the flag to reveal the new foundation stone. Inscribed on the foundation stone is a Maori Whakatauki: Te toka tu moana, ara toa rongonui.

Your strength is like a rock standing in raging waters. The new foundation stone will lay alongside the foundation stone from the Memorial Chapel.

Construction on the new Chapel will start mid-year and it is anticipated it will take around 12 months to complete. It is hoped that the community will join together in September 2016 to celebrate the opening of the new Chapel.

Members of the College community at the presentation with Chapel architect Patrick Clifford (pictured above). About 250 people attended the presentation to find out more about design. The presentation was very well-received by the community with everyone taking home a brochure with the latest images of the Chapel and information on how to support the much-needed fundraising.

Be a Part of History – Buy a Brick 2000 of the original bricks from the Memorial Chapel have been carefully salvaged and will be incorporated into the new design as part of the memorial wall.

Bricks are available for purchase at $3000 each (which can be paid over five years at $50.00 per month.) All donors at this level or above will have their name or family’s name permanently recorded on a plaque in the Chapel.

For more information or to buy a brick online visit www.stac.school.nz or contact Clare Wilkinson, Director of Development, on CWI@stac.school.nz or phone +64 3 940 2068.

For updates on the Chapel project and latest images please refer to the College website (stac.school.nz)