Chapel Centennial Restoration Project
The Old Boys committed themselves to the funding of the present Chapel at the 1909 farewell to Headmaster, Walter Empson. The foundation stone was laid at Easter 1911 and was inscribed, “This Chapel has been built by Old Boys...thankful for the past and hopeful for the future”. Laying of the foundation stone at the new Liverpool Street site to the Chapel’s completion in 1912 took less than a year.
Easter 2011 marked the Centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of the Chapel and was celebrated in 2012. A Chapel Centennial Committee with former pupils, staff and friends of the school was established to organise centennial activities which culminated in the consecration of the chapel in August 2012 by Bishop Justin of Wellington.
However, it was recognised that there is an urgent need to undertake essential restoration work on the building and to renovate the chapel organ. Therefore, the Centennial Committee refocused itself as the Whanganui Collegiate School Chapel Restoration Committee. With the full support of the Board of Trustees, the Headmaster, the Old Boys’ and Girls’ Association, the Wellington Anglican Diocese and the WCS Foundation, the Chapel Restoration Committee organises ongoing major fundraising.
This continues to secure the resources necessary to have the restoration work completed. The Whanganui Collegiate School Old Boys’ and Girls’ Association, as a charitable trust, is closely involved with this project and is making applications to grant-funding bodies for restoration work on the chapel and organ.
Work Undertaken
Restoration of the chapel, roofing, repairs, Oamaru Stone repairs, brick work and water damaged timber repairs.
Stablisation and chemical cleaning of all at-risk stained glass with stainless cross beams reseating and mosonry repair.
Repositioning of Lawton and Osborne pipe organ to its original position within the organ loft.
Installation of Rodgers digital organ into choir organ pit
Rewiring/future proofing all organ electrical connections.
How You Can Help
Donations to the Organ Restoration Project or for the maintenance of our newly-restored Chapel are greatly accepted.
Donation tax credits are available for New Zealand residents. Please make your payment to Wanganui Collegiate School Chapel Restoration Fund. A tax receipt along with your certificate will be issued to you.
Please post cheques to:
Collegiate Chapel Centennial Restoration
Private Bag 3002
Whanganui 4540
Direct Banking option:
01-0790-0030043-02 Please Ref: CHAPEL & Your Name
Charity Reg. Number: CC45321
Respecting Your Privacy
We will put you on our database and send you information on the progress of the WCS Chapel Restoration Project, celebratory & commemoratory events, concerts and information on the foundation of the residential National Organ School at Whanganui Collegiate.
Chapel Centenary and Restoration Patrons and Contact
Patron: Donald Trott ONZM, JP
Vice-Patron: Dame Gillian Weir DBE, DMus
International Concert Organist
Vice-Patron: Colin Walsh MA (Oxon), FRCO, FRSA
Organist Laureate, Lincoln Cathedral, UK
Chairman: Gordon Craig
Tel: (06) 345 7029 / 021 307 371
Committee Secretary: Rev Richard Evans
Tel: (06) 349 0210
Chapel Centennial Restoration Project Trustees
Project Supporters
