Michael Joyce (left) and Bryan Heron of the Heritage Trust helped to steer the project. Photo / Brett Phibbs
A disused and derelict gothic-styled chapel has been been given a new life.
St Michael's Chapel in Henderson, built in 1914, will be reopened next month after a joint effort by the Henderson Heritage Trust and the Waitakere City Council to restore it to full health.
Waitakere City
councillor Judy Lawley is relieved the chapel had been preserved. "So much of New Zealand history is forgotten or bulldozed in the name of progress. It's wonderful that this building which has served the community so well will do so for at least another century."
The chapel was rendered obsolete in 1967, when a larger church was built to accommodate a growing congregation. It has hardly been used for 40 years, and was in poor condition when the Heritage Trust stepped in.
Trust chairman Michael Joyce, who has overseen the restoration, said "The chapel was so derelict that if we'd left it for another year, it would have fallen over."
He was delighted with the work, which restored the chapel's gothic touches - a steep roof, stained timber interior, arched windows, and a reconstructed bell tower.
Mr Joyce was also glad the Corban family's legacy would continue in the church. The Corbans contributed to building it and provided the land it has been moved to, opposite the Corban Estate Arts Centre.
The chapel will be used for community functions.
