The Anglican Chapelry of St Francis of the Fynbos celebrated a significant milestone with the blessing of the foundation stone of its new chapel on Wednesday 6 November. The ceremony, led by the Rt Rev Stafford R Moses, Bishop of False Bay, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the church, now an architectural gem located at Erf 4045, Ferraria Road, Betty’s Bay.
This newly constructed building, envisioned over the past year, stands not just as a Sunday sanctuary, but as a community hub poised to offer various social, educational, and outreach services from Monday to Saturday. The Chapel of St Francis of Assisi, part of the parish of St Philip, Gordon’s Bay, is under the leadership of Rev Byron Samuel, with support from retired clergy Rev Ivan Smith and Rev Tim Attwell.
Rachel Norton, a member of the St Francis Council, reported that about 80 people attended the event, including local supporters and members from St Philip’s. At the ceremony Bishop Moses emphasised this place of worship will welcome everyone and serve as a community centre for all of Betty’s Bay. He noted that the bell will call people to worship and remind them of God’s presence in the town.
Post-ceremony refreshments, organised by Maureen Smith, were served in the chapel. The morning celebration was followed by a bring-and-braai organised by Attwell, with the promise of many such social gatherings in future.
Attwell spoke of the project’s inception and the vision for the future. The dream of a dedicated church had been a long-standing aspiration, discussed for more than 40 years.
The need became urgent when the premises of the Roman Catholic church, which were used for Anglican services, were destroyed in the devastating wildfire of January 2019. After much deliberation the congregation decided in October 2020 to build its own church, but for more than just Sunday services.
The property for the new church was acquired in 1998 and additional properties in Pringle Bay and Disa Circle were sold, partially to finance the project. The church’s design, with an ecumenical reach, was created by local award-winning architect Geoff George. Martin van Rooyen of Architectural Design Studio in Betty’s Bay transformed these designs into working drawings for municipal submission. Tertius Engelbrecht began construction earlier this year, with chapel warden Tom Jacobs, assisted by Ernest de Jager, overseeing the project.
The church will feature seating for 60, extendable to a covered veranda for special occasions. It includes a chancel and sanctuary, which can be repurposed for various functions. The building offers stunning views of the surrounding fynbos and Hangklip mountain, and hence its name, St Francis of the Fynbos.
The current structure includes a kitchen and ablution facilities, with plans for a committee room and storeroom once additional funding is secured. The central quadrangle will serve as a communal area for events such as braais and pancake mornings, and the site provides ample parking space.
Attwell outlined strategies to ensure the church remained active throughout the week. These include a church programme based on the i-cube approach to cater to intellectual, emotional and social needs, support for evangelical and social outreach initiatives, and partnerships with other community organisations.
The building project has revitalised the church community, reversing the decline in attendance seen during and after the pandemic.
The Anglican Church has a long-standing presence in Betty’s Bay, with services dating back to 1948. The new church, built to the glory of God, symbolises resilience and commitment, promising to be a beacon of hope and support for the entire community.– SSMA/Fanie Krige
