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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.
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Comments

Tom said…
...what a delightful place, I've found a couple that are similar to this one.
21 July 2020 at 10:20
Pauline said…
That's a cute little church and an interesting place to wander around.
21 July 2020 at 11:36
Susan Heather said…
How lovely, I had not heard of it.
21 July 2020 at 13:22
Yogi♪♪♪ said…
I love little things to look at like that.
21 July 2020 at 14:25
At Home In New Zealand said…
What an appealing little church. It looks like a nice place if one just wants to sit and contemplate for a while.
21 July 2020 at 17:01
jennyfreckles said…
How sweet - looks a lovely place to slow down and reflect.
21 July 2020 at 21:24
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.
21 July 2020 at 22:16
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)
22 July 2020 at 01:57
Sharon said…
That really is a very tiny little chapel. Great set of photos of this place.
22 July 2020 at 02:33
Bill said…
What a lovely area and a very cute little church.
22 July 2020 at 03:50
Stevenson said…
Oh this is such a cute and full of character kind of place! That chapel looks very interesting!
22 July 2020 at 10:40
handmade by amalia said…
The little chapel is adorable, so full of character.
Amalia
xo
22 July 2020 at 17:13
Veronica Lee said…
What a lovely place to explore! I am enchanted by the church!
22 July 2020 at 18:00
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
I've never seen such a tiny chapel
22 July 2020 at 22:38
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
23 July 2020 at 00:25
PerthDailyPhoto said…
That has to be the smallest church I've ever seen Amy, what a very eclectic and explorable surrounding garden ✨
23 July 2020 at 01:52
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!
23 July 2020 at 13:40
Tanza Erlambang said…
cute little chapel with beautiful background and views
24 July 2020 at 01:03
Rhonda Albom said…
This has to be the cutest chapel in the country.
24 July 2020 at 16:45
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