New Building For Religious Community

Press, Volume C, Issue 29685, 1 December 1961, Page 23

New Building For Religious Community

A £ 125,000 public appeal has been launched by the Anglican Community of the Sacred Name, Barbadoes street, for a new block of permanent buildings to replace the present wooden ones which date back to the founding of the community in 1895. The addition is planned to form two sides of a quadrangle, with a lawn and fountain in the centre. The existing main building, which is to be altered, will form the third side, giving a cloister round three sides. The construction will be done in stages. Work will begin on the £60.000 centre block as soon as the appeal reaches the £30,000 mark. Three storeys high, this block will stand beside the present main building. Its ground floor will consist of store rooms, laundry, an infirmary complete with dispensary and conveniences, and a mission room, with an entrance leading directly from the street. The first floor will be living quarters for the community, with sewing and ironing rooms, linen store, box room, sitting room and conveniences. A study for the novitiates, with bedrooms, presses and conveniences, will be on the second floor. The west block will be two stories high, but the design allows for the addition of another floor later.

Here accommodation for retreatants and guests is provided for, as well as a waferprocessing room. The new chapel, seating about 126, with its vestries and public entrance, will complete the north end of this wing, which will have a flat roof to provide a recreation area. The new buildings will be of reinforced concrete with brick facing and tile roofs, to harmonise with the existing brick. Alterations to the main block will include modernisation of the kitchen, and the existing central heating and hot water system will be overhauled and extended to serve the new areas. Founded by Bishop Julius 66 years ago, the community today comprises 18 sisters and four novices. An increasing demand for private and conducted retreats on the part of both guests and lay people, coupled with the increasing growth and work of the community, has led to the present scheme for expansion. The appeal was officially opened last Saturday by the Dean of Christchurch (the Very Rev. M. G. Sullivan) at the annual garden party of the Guild of Help. No organised public drive for funds has as yet been arranged, said the community chaplain (the Rev. J. F. B. Keith) yesterday. However. he said, he was appealing to all interested bodies and citizens to support the project.