The Rose Historic Chapel in Colombo Street has reopened after earthquake repairs, and the public was invited to visit this afternoon. I remember walking past in March 2011, when earthquake damage meant you could see right through the building. Today it looked as good as new.
Rose Chapel
Apparently someone painstakingly collected all the pieces of coloured glass and the exquisite stained glass windows, reputedly some of the best in Canterbury, have been lovingly restored. I especially like the one that’s dedicated to the memory of the Gardner family.
Gardner family window
I have fond memories of taking weddings in this chapel and it was good to visit today and sit and listen to Helen Webby playing the harp. There were crowds of people and I’m sure the chapel will again be popular for ceremonies and concerts. It’s wonderful that one of our historic buildings has been brought back.
“This fine stone chapel now restored
a project we can all applaud.’
Ruth's Reflections 
must have given you a funny feeling being back there Ruth? I remember I had a newspaper cutting about the rose window years ago, gave it to the person who lists all the burials on line, cant remember her name, Beverley? Lovely Gardner window, who were they in Christchurch.. I know the Tancred window had the incorrect information on it, should have been Henry not quoted as his brother, Sir Thomas! Guess that was destroyed?
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I think all the windows have been restored. The Gardner window is not actually for my family, who were strictly non-conformist, but I like to claim it.
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How encouraging Ruth. I wonder who that person was who collected all the glass pieces. It’s a beautiful chapel.
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I don’t know who it was, but they’ve done an amazing job.
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How wonderful that this chapel is now fully restored.
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