The new St Patrick’s Chapel graces the Dilworth driveway. With the orange cones and barriers almost gone and the noise of machinery dulling (much to the relief of our Headmaster and Music Department!), the final touches to this beautiful sacred space are underway. And our community’s new chapel stands as a vision of modern beauty that is true to architect Jasmax’s vision and complementary to Dilworth’s distinctive building style.
The Dilworth Board had their first walk-through of the new chapel building this week, so it seemed an opportune time to get in with the camera and give everyone a glimpse of some of the aspects that are finished or near completion.
Peter Alexander, Deputy Board Chair and Chair of Dilworth’s Property Committee, was delighted with what he saw “When I recently stepped into the chapel, it felt like the vision we’d carried from day one had come to life. We set out to create a calming, flexible, affordable, and enduring space — and what’s been delivered truly reflects that. The project team has done an outstanding job throughout the journey, from design to near completion. It’s a space I hope will support students and their families in many ways for years to come.”
It was also wonderful to have the take of Old Boy, Dilworth Trustee and property leader, Aaron Hockly “As an Old Boy having spent years in the old chapel, it was wonderful to see the scale, openness, warmth and light of the new design. I loved how the new chapel doesn’t seek to align with the old but offers something completely new whilst the timeless glass, wood and stone preserves our traditions and the vision of our Founders”.
Here are some of the stand-out features of this building so far.
A window to nature
The original vision for the building was to bring nature inside, and this building does not disappoint. Dilworth’s magnificent trees, many of which have survived the test of time and seen many generations of Dilworthians, can be seen through the wide vista of the main window. A substantial planting programme has also recently begun, and the new planting areas promise to be just as remarkable as the existing stands of trees, which is an exciting legacy to leave for future generations.
Our story, through iconography
Much of the new iconography woven into the building has yet to be installed. The vision to celebrate the spiritual foundation of Dilworth, along with the shared history and cultural diversity of our school and community, is inspiring and will be centre stage.
The stained-glass windows, a project led by Old Boy, Agency Fuman owner and Designer Jon Chapman-Smith, with collaboration from current students, have been installed and are magnificent! They tell the Dilworth story and light the building from both inside and out.
Jon has also been working on designs for the beautiful wooden panels, another key feature of the building. These panels tell the Dilworth story, honouring both the light and the shade that have shaped our shared history.
To bring this project to life, Jon ran a creative workshop with some of our young men and created an online questionnaire. Over 600 members of our community took part, sharing their views and helping to shape the design influences, an invaluable part of the process. The panels are now in development, with early designs looking very exciting. We look forward to sharing more with you later in the year.
Other finishing touches include installing a stunning floor-to-ceiling stained-glass red cross on the wall next to the entrance. This is a replica of the cross in the current St Patrick’s—an important symbol to many. Additionally, to bring the past into the present, the cherished baptismal font gifted to the school in the 1950s from St John’s College has been moved to the new chapel.
Bathed in light
Lighting is undoubtedly a key feature of this magnificent sacred space. The high vaulted ceilings and spacious interior are highlighted by drop-down pendant lights, which play a significant role in creating the light, airy atmosphere. Jasmax Architects’ interior design team undertook this project, overseen by Dilworth Trust Office Development Manager, Ashley Nankervis. The warm, welcoming light has been a lovely sight for those driving down Dilworth’s driveway on winter evenings.
Chapel to Open in late January
Chaplain Reverend Greg Worboys said the final pieces - the new organ and chapel seating –are in transit from overseas. Once the car park is completed and the landscaping finished, we will be nearly there, which means our new St Patrick’s Chapel will be ready to open to coincide with the new school year. The date has been set for Friday, 30th January, and will be celebrated over that weekend. Plans are underway to ensure that our current school, our whānau, Dilworth Old Boys, and the wider Dilworth community have the opportunity for what will be a memorable weekend of celebration and fellowship.
Opportunity for Dilworth Community Support
Several community members have asked how they might help with this lovely new building. There is a way, and we would love any support you can give!
At the start of September, we will launch a campaign called “Take Your Seat In Our Future.” Through this initiative, you will have the chance to donate and name a chair in the new chapel. Each chair will feature a small plaque with the name of your choice—whether it’s your own, a loved one’s, a student’s, a family member’s, or in memory of someone special.
Should people wish to make any other donations, they will be gratefully received and help complete the final touches and artefacts that will enhance this sacred space. Every donation will directly support the new home of Christian Faith at Dilworth, now and into the future.
More about this campaign will be out next week. Stand by for more updates and the opening of St Patrick’s Chapel in January 2026!