On Thursday 19th July, Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy blessed the site, making the sign of Alpha and Omega in the ground and sprinkled Holy Water over the site. She expressed her excitement at this new beginning for Peter Moyes ACS and the Parish of St Cecilia’s. Participants in the service included the Reverend Paul Howells, the Rector of St Cecilia’s Parish, St Cecilia’s Rectors Warden, Kathleen Van Son, the Reverend David Deeny, School Chaplain, as well as students from across the School. The Primary School Choir entertained the guests with a wonderfully sung piece of music.
The Ceremony was followed by a morning tea at which the Chapel plans were on display along with the Church Bell which has been donated to the School by the Anglican Parish of St Swithun’s in Lesmurdie. The 45 kilogram bronze bell was cast in John Warner & Sons Foundry at Cripplegate London in 1873. It will be hung in the bell tower of the Chapel and become an integral part of the Chapel building calling all to worship. The Chapel plans can be viewed in the Main Reception Area and the Bell will be on display within the School until it is placed in the Chapel tower.
The Reverend Paul Howells, Rector of St Cecilia’s Parish believes that the new Chapel will strengthen both communities. “The Parish of Saint Cecilia’s is looking to engage with the Peter Moyes Anglican School Community. There are many things that we can do to support the School. Our presence at the School Chapel will strengthen the worship, and the resources of the School will strengthen us. We will have a larger and better-equipped worship space. We will be better placed to do something special at seasons such as Christmas and Easter,” he said.
School Chaplain, Reverend David Deeny, is excited about the new chapter for the School and St Cecilia’s Parish. “A new chapter that has begun for Peter Moyes Anglican Community School with the Blessing of the Site of our new Chapel building. On completion, the Chapel will be the joint place of worship for the School and for the Anglican Parish of Quinns-Butler, St Cecilia’s. We are excited at this new beginning for both the Parish and the School, and pray that it will bring about a fresh vibrancy in the spiritual life of our two worshipping communities. We very much look forward to working together in this new community of faith!” he said.
It is hoped that the Chapel will be completed in time to celebrate the Easter services in 2019.