Ormond Chapel

CNR CHAUCER STREET AND NAPIER TERRACE,
HOSPITAL HILL, NAPIER

Ormond Chapel is a small jewel of a building with a valuable connection to Napier's history.

Christmas is Coming to Ormond Chapel

The Christmas Day service at Ormond Chapel is a firm favourite with many neighbours on the hill.

It’s a happy gathering within walking distance of the Botanic Gardens for a Christmas Day picnic.

Capacity is around 40 people – more if there are children.

Historic Place

Ormond Chapel is sited on Napier Terrace on Hospital Hill, and carries an Historic Places Trust Category One designation.

Originally it was the main schoolroom for the Academy for Young Gentlemen which occupied a site further along Napier Terrace from 1864. It then became the Napier Grammar School in 1867 till it closed in 1918.

Fanny Ormond bought the building and had it shifted to the present site next to her parents’ home. Once established there, it was donated to the St John’s Parish in memory of her brother who was killed in France in 1916.

It is one of the oldest educational buildings existing in NZ and one of the oldest buildings in Napier. It is unique in that its construction was for secular purposes, later being converted for ecclesiastical use.

The Chapel is built of kauri and has been modified and enlarged using rimu and pine.

A family communion service is held at Ormond Chapel on the 2nd Sunday of the month at 11am. All welcome.

Hiring the Chapel for Events

Community groups and individuals are welcome to hire the Chapel for ceremonies or events.

The lovely wood-lined space has good acoustics for music and the moveable seating can accommodate different styles of events. A separate room can be used to provide food or a breakout space. The chapel also has a pleasant garden space and nearby there’s the Botanic Gardens and ample parking.

The Chapel is ideal for smaller family services such as a wedding, baptism, funeral or memorial service, and our clergy can assist with these.  

It can be a suitable space for small concerts, retreats, team building or meetings.

For full details and costs for  booking an event at the Chapel please contact the Cathedral Office –
06 835 8824 or admin.cathedral@waiapu.com

Ormond chapel stained glass window last supper

Family Service at Ormond Chapel