Archive #26/65: New Chapel-Assembly Hall, 1971

The boys of the 1950s clearly remember marching, two by two in crocodile formation, to either St Matthew’s or St Andrew’s church in Hastings, “all decked out with suits, caps and sparkling shoes, and our starched white shirts had detachable collars and cufflinks to contend with, just to make life more interesting.”

In 1967, through the initiative of the Parents’ Association, the first tentative moves were made towards the constructing of a new Chapel-Assembly Hall, to be located to the east of the Homestead. The Architects cited a cost of $28,000, all of which had to be raised by the College. A fundraising Campaign was launched by the Parents’ Association, which saw the very first Lindisfarne Stall being set up at the Hawke’s Bay Show. The Stall sold craft ware and bric-a-brac, made by the mothers of the boys. This innovated Stall became an annual affair which was to last for some fifteen years. It was decided by the Parents’ Association that the Gala Day, as from this year, should be an annual event, and this tradition has lasted until the present day.

The vision and faith with initiated the campaign, led by Mrs Rewa McKenzie, were justly rewarded when the building was officially opened.

On August 21, 1971, the Assembly Hall/Chapel was opened by the Governor General, Sir Arthur Porritt, who said, “The Assembly Hall-Chapel… surely an excellent twinning of the School’s Community life and Religious background.” The Chapel was dedicated by Rev H.A. Mitchell.

To quote the Rector’s Annual report “The Chapel/Assembly Hall is a tribute and symbol, in public view, I am glad to say of the tremendous loyalty and devotion of Lindisfarne Parents [I refer to them as private as the McKenzie Clan] as well as an amenity which has enabled us, with the help of Mr B. Campbell and Mr Munton, in particular, to evolve a new pattern of Chapel Services, to stimulate the boys, include the parents, and welcome Old Boys back.”

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