St Christopher's Chapel

On Ash Wednesday of 1963, the Chapel at Ashley's Boys Home was dedicated by the Right Reverend D. B. Blackwood, acting on behalf of Bishop Cranswick. The ceremony was attended by a congregation of approximately 80 people.

The initiative for the Chapel was spearheaded by Mr. Colin Newsum, an instructor of trade at the facility, who identified the need for a dedicated worship space and saw potential in one of the outbuildings to be repurposed for this use. Under his guidance, significant renovations were undertaken: sections of the walls were demolished and reconstructed, and Gothic-style stained glass windows were installed. The interior walls received a combination of plastering and panelling, and Mr. Newsum supervised the boys in constructing the Chapel’s furniture.

A very fine panelled altar, communion rails, lectern, pulpit, and pews, all of which would win admiration if placed in any county church ...

St Christopher 's Chapel stands as a witness to the .long-sighted vison of the Superintendent and Mr. Newsum, and the other members of the staff who saw the need for a Chapel ...