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The Little Chapel


On our last trip through Dargaville we stopped at "The Little Chapel" located in Aratapu on the outskirts of the town. Known as "New Zealand's Smallest Church it was opened in 2010 and is 2.2 metres squared.


With an angel looking after the property in amongst the sculpture garden the church was built from ancient swamp Kauri (sometimes found within the Kaipara) carbon dated 38,000 years old.


Owned by locals Warren Suckling and his wife Mavis who decided to build the 9 seat chapel on their land to give others comfort and solace. Kaumatua Jim Te Tuhi iniated the ceremony with a mihi (thanks) followed by speeches from various churches in town.


A photo arrangement inside that shows the various people who came together to make this church possible. 2 Kauri crosses that sit on the roof of the church interestingly came from an old gumdiggers store that use to be in the town, the stained glass windows came from artist Mandy Wood, the pews were gifted from the Aratapu Hall Committee and the Dargaville Garden Club created the surrounding garden (below).





Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My Corner of the World.

Comments

Tom said…
...what a delightful place, I've found a couple that are similar to this one.
Pauline said…
That's a cute little church and an interesting place to wander around.
Susan Heather said…
How lovely, I had not heard of it.
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
I love little things to look at like that.
What an appealing little church. It looks like a nice place if one just wants to sit and contemplate for a while.
jennyfreckles said…
How sweet - looks a lovely place to slow down and reflect.
eileeninmd said…
Hello, I love the cute little chapel and the angel. It is a neat place to explore. Enjoy your day, have a great week ahead.
carol l mck said…
What a unique place and divine little church ~ great series of photos ^_^

Live each moment with love,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Sharon said…
That really is a very tiny little chapel. Great set of photos of this place.
Bill said…
What a lovely area and a very cute little church.
Stevenson said…
Oh this is such a cute and full of character kind of place! That chapel looks very interesting!
The little chapel is adorable, so full of character.
Amalia
xo
Veronica Lee said…
What a lovely place to explore! I am enchanted by the church!
I've never seen such a tiny chapel
Billy Blue Eyes said…
Well it does not look any bigger than my shed at the bottom of the garden. I love it such a sweet chapel
PerthDailyPhoto said…
That has to be the smallest church I've ever seen Amy, what a very eclectic and explorable surrounding garden ✨
betty-NZ said…
We haven't been down that way for a while, might be time to go again! Thanks for the pics and info.

It's great to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!
Tanza Erlambang said…
cute little chapel with beautiful background and views
Rhonda Albom said…
This has to be the cutest chapel in the country.

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