A new Chapel assists in increasing faith of the members
The 21,500sq ft building in Ferguson Street began as a type designed specifically for the Pacific Islands , but was modified to suit New Zealand conditions with the majority of the materials being sourced locally. “It is one of a new generation of chapels -- spacious, inviting, full of light, but short of being opulent and extravagant,” said Elder Spencer J. Condie, the President of the New Zealand Pacific Islands Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The chapel stands on what was previously a 10-acre vacant lot, but is now attractively landscaped in a fashion which won praise in the community when a survey was carried out during the week of festivities when it was opened. Typical of the comments was that of neighbour Fuatai Tavae, who said, “It is lovely. I am so happy the land has been cleaned up and is put to good use.” An interesting feature of the design is that the chapel is actually two linked buildings side by side to facilitate airflow and ventilation. There are 22 Sunday School teaching stations (classrooms) to accommodate ages ranging from nursery children to senior citizens with disabilities. The design also reflects today's environmental sensitivities by incorporating energy-efficient light fixtures, solar panels for heating the water in the baptismal font, an under- floor heating system to supplement the heating and air conditioning systems, and improved insulation throughout. Construction took a year and was completed in March 2008' The chapel was dedicated on Sunday, April 20, by President Tiparere Arthur, leader of the Auckland New Zealand Tamaki Stake (similar to a diocese). The fast-growing church membership in Otara presents the extra challenge of working out the dynamics of meeting times for multiple congregations. The building is designed to accommodate three wards (parishes) in addition to stake (diocese) offices. The chapel will seat 340 people in normal operation, but the capacity can be expanded to accommodate more than 1000 for larger meetings.
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The new Ferguson Road chapel in Otara, South Auckland, is the first of its kind in New Zealand . 