Arthur's Pass Chapel

The Arthur’s Pass Chapel was dedicated in 1956, and welcomes those who cherish a quiet place for worship or contemplation. It is interdenominational, and hosts regular Christian services (scheduled mainly on public holiday weekends) and celebrations such as baptisms and weddings.

The Chapel was sited and designed to enable a view of the waterfall in the hillside above. Local stone, voluntary labour, and donated goods and services kept the initial build costs down, with some funding from church grants and public contributions.

With assistance from the Selwyn District Council’s Heritage Protection Fund, the first major repairs in the Chapel’s seven decades have recently been undertaken. Roof work has included replacement of broken slate tiles. Porch rafters required repair and strengthening, fascia boards were replaced, exterior woodwork has been repainted, and moss was removed from stonework.

This project has depleted the Chapel’s financial reserves. The committee is now seeking donations to complete the repairs, replenish the fund, and for ongoing expenses and maintenance.