Altar dedicated in Antarctica

Press, 23 November 1983, Page 3

Altar dedicated in Antarctica

Prominent among the congregation at the Antarctic dedication ceremony of the altar originally from the church at Lyttelton where Captain Robert Falcon Scott worshipped, was the Gover-nor-General, Sir David Beattie (above, front row, second from left). Sir David is flanked (on his right) by the director of the Antarctic Division of

the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Mr R. B. Thomson; and (on his left) by the commander of the United States Naval Support Force, Antarctica, Captain Brian Shoemaker. The Sunday morning ceremony was held at the Chapel of the Snows, Ross Island. Sir David formally presented the altar, on behalf

of the people of New Zealand, to Captain Shoemaker. Sir David arrived at Scott Base on Saturday for a fiveday visit to Antarctica. The altar originally belonged to the Church of St Saviour West Lyttelton, which was known locally as the Seafarers Church. Captain Scott marched with his men to the church before

both of his expeditions set out for Antarctica. The church is now the chapel at the Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch which gave the altar about three years ago to the Antarctic Division of the D.S.I.R. for use in Antarctica. The original Chapel of the Snows was destroyed by fire before the altar could be installed, but it was rebuilt

last winter. The Communion vessel on the altar were used by the Rev. A. P. Spencer-Smith, who was a member of Shackleton’s expedition and who perished in Antarctica in 1915. Also taking part in the dedication ceremony, which was attended by about 50 people, was the chaplain, the Ven. M. H. Brown, of Christchurch.