Items of Interest
The following items of interest are held in the Navy Chapel:
In the Sanctuary
Brass Cross:
Presented by Commodore G.T.C.P. Swabey in 1930
Candlesticks:
Presented by Chaplain G.T. Robson in 1934
Hymn Board:
Presented by LT CDR J.D. Prentice. First Lieutenant, PHILOMEL in 1932.
Prayer Desk and Chair:
Featuring the badge of the RNZN Hospital, they were made in 1963 by Chief E.E. Dorrell, BEM and were presented by Surgeon Captain E.S. McPhail, RNZN. HMNZ Dockyard later made a matching set.
Lectern:
Presented by Commodore J.A.B. Lewis, RNZN in 1992.
Brass Ewer:
Presented in 1948 by the parents of Leading Wren M.M. Morrow who died in 1943.
Lamps:
Made by Chief Plumber Barber in 1935 these lamps depict the Naval Crown.
Front:
Chief Joiner E.E. Dorrell, BEM, made the Stand. The bell is from HMNZS BELLONA.
Southern Wall (Seaward side)
Queen's Colours:
Presented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and laid up here when replaced in 1970 and 1991. The present Colour is held at the PHILOMEL Quarterdeck.
Northern Wall
Kings' Colours:
The Kings' Colours were presented by Their Majesties, King George V and George VI. They were laid here in 1938 and 1953 when new Colours were presented.
White Ensign:
The White Ensign was worn by New Zealand Ships until 1968.
Outside
Roses:
The path leading to the main entrance of St Christopher's Chapel is bordered by 'White Ensign' rose bushes.
Also view information and images of the following:
Also on the northern wall is a window that depicts Christ stilling the waters, and words from the Naval Prayer. ( 34.9KB jpg )
Over the altar, the frame of the central window is made from the steering wheel of HMS PHILOMEL. Around the rim are the names of New Zealand ships/units that suffered losses in World War II. A window on either side depicts St Brandon, Patron Saint of Navigators and St Christopher, Patron Saint of Travellers. ( 43.8KB jpg )
The two windows in the main entrance of the Chapel were originally from St Brandon's Chapel, which was located at HMNZS TAMAKI.On the seaward side wall (the Southern wall) at the rear of the Chapel is another window from St Brandon's that honours those in RNZNVR Units who died in WWII. The window was originally dedicated on Remembrance Sunday in 1987; it was installed here and rededicated on 22nd August 1999. ( 50.3KB jpg )
On the opposite wall (the Northern Wall) is the WRNZNS window that was presented by the NZ Ex-Wrens Association in thanksgiving and also in memory of all women who served in the Women's Royal New Zealand Naval Service during the years 1942 to 1977. ( 31.7KB jpg )
This Display Case was built by Grant Henry of the Ship Repair Unit in 2000. This case displays a memorial register of names of those who have had their ashes scattered at sea by the Royal New Zealand Naval Forces since 1981. Prior to 1981, records of Ashes Scattered by the Navy were noted in the appropriate ship's log. ( 20.3KB jpg )
The Memorial Wall and garden commemorate those New Zealand Naval personnel who died during World War II and have no known graves.With the permission of the New Zealand War Graves Commission, the Memorial Wall underwent a major renovation in 2001. On completion of the renovation, a service of blessing was held on the 10th October 2001. On Tuesday 26th February 2002, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, unveiled the renovated wall and Principal Chaplain (Navy) P. Law, ONZM, RNZN conducted a rededication service. ( 42.8KB jpg )