Forty children from local Karori school, St Theresa’s experienced a private tour of Futuna Chapel late last year when Chapel trustees Nick Bevin and David Marshall opened the doors for an adventure like no other.
Accompanied by the school’s deputy head, Charles Perry, and art teacher, Gina Smith, the years four and five children visited the Chapel to understand the history and artistic significance of the building as well as its architect, John Scott and artist, Jim Allen.
“Seven of my grandchildren have attended St Theresa’s school (two still attend) which meant it was an opportunity to be acted upon,” says trustee David Marshall.
Quite a different tour to the experiences usually provided to adults, Nick Bevin described the background and features of the chapel to the children.
“It’s lovely seeing the faces of the children when they understand how the Chapel came into existence and who had built it [voluntary Marist lay brothers]. I explained that it had been opened on the anniversary of St Joseph (the builder). The children always have so many questions, it’s fascinating hearing the way they’re obviously processing all this information,” says Nick.
Still on display the recent Futuna Chapel exhibition “From the Archive; the Making of Futuna” meant the children were able to take advantage of an opportunity to draw and sketch many of the items with a view to further discussions with their art teacher on their return to school.
“The students seemed particularly interested in the carpentry tools used by the Marist brothers in the building of the Chapel as well as the artistic aspects of the Chapel”, says David.
St Theresa’s School Principal, Pip Cooke, describes the visit as very successful.
“The kids and teachers loved this visit and it would be great to make this an annual trip. Futuna Chapel could also be a wonderful location for our teacher-only day,” says Pip.
Futuna Chapel welcomes visits by schools and students of all ages.