‘Oasis of tranquillity’ at the Y.M.C.A.

Press, 27 September 1978, Page 4

‘Oasis of tranquillity’ at the Y.M.C.A.

A “quiet room” has been i (built in % the middle of the ,1 Y.M.C.A. premises in Here- > ford Street. ■ The room faces north, and his sunny, soundproof, and jean hold 20 people, accordling to the executive director! of the Y.M.C.A. in Christie church (Mr R. H. French). ’I He believes that it is the] , first room of its kind in a I 11 New Zealand Y.M.C.A. I “There are chapels in other - ; Y.M.C.A.s but these are not! often used,” Mr French said. i ! “We hope this room will be! ; in constant use, because it I ' is so flexible.” - ‘ i The quiet room could be I converted to a chapel by j withdrawing curtains on one i of the walls to show ajl , wrought-iron depiction of ' Christ carrying the Cross. 11

This could be spotlit, Mr French said. The room is also available for meetings and has already been used for this by the Christchurch committee of the Bible College, the Good (Samaritans, and Y.M.C.A. staff. However, its basic purpose [is to provide a suitable quiet place for any body who (feels like withdrawing to i rest “or just think.” The I room will be accessible all day. The room cost $5OOO to ■ build, and the money for it (came from a donation seve* : ral years ago by the L. B. Miller Trust, Mr French said. It is hoped that Mrs R. B. Miller, the wife of one of the trustees, will open the room I officially next Sunday. ,