BURWOOD CHAPEL

Press, Volume C, Issue 29657, 30 October 1961, Page 16

BURWOOD CHAPEL

“Example For N.Z. Hospitals”

“I visualise the not distant time when all the larger New Zealand hospitals will have their own chapels,” said Mr A. W. Prentice, organiser of the Christchurch chapels appeal committee, on Saturday. He was formally handing over the Chapel of St. Luke at Burwood Hospital to the North Canterbury Hospital Board on behalf of the appeal fund trustees. Mr Prentice presented the Book of Remembrance prepared for the chapel to Dr L. C. L. Averill, chairman of the board.

“Christchurch set the pattern in 1906 when the nurses' chapel at Christchurch Hospital was opened, and again in 1959 when the decision was made to go ahead with an appeal for chapels at the Sunnyside, Burwood, and Princess Margaret Hospitals. “It is just over 12 months since the Sunnyside Chapel of the Good Shepherd was opened, but such has been its influence that before long each of the larger mental hospitals will have its own chapel.

"Dunedin is in the midst of its chapels appeal, and from Whangarei to Invercargill appeals have been carried through with marked success. “The appeal in Christchurch was one in which all sections of the Christian Church participated with enthusiasm, and during the appeal there was not a discordant note.

“The gifts of more than 20.000 people have made this gift possible, and with it goes the prayer that the building will be used for the glory of God, and for the comfort and joy of many during the coming years,” said Mr Prentice.

The medical superintendent of Burwood Hospital (Dr J. H. Mclntyre) expressed appreciation, on behalf of the hospital's staff, for the gift of the chapel, and those who had made it possible. The Mayor (Mr G. Manning) presided at the function, when about 200 attended. Guests included members of the North Canterbury Hospital Board nursing representatives and hospital officials, staff members of Burwood Hospital and persons connected with the chapel, and church leaders.