BY MORRIS NAFU
The Fox Hill Community, located behind Henderson Airport in east Honiara marked a significant milestone with the consecration of their newly built St Luke Chapel of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) on Friday 18th.
The event was attended by the Bishop of the Guadalcanal Diocese Benedict Loe and was witnessed by hundreds of community members and friends and families from other parts of town.
The chapel’s consecration marks its official integration into the Lungga Parish, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Guadalcanal Diocese, further strengthening the spiritual foundation of the area.
The chapel is designed to accommodate over 200 worshippers, as it is expected to become a central hub for religious activities, gatherings and community events in the area.
The construction of the building reflects the growing needs of the Fox Hill Community and the commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all residents.
Speaking to Island Sun after the official opening ceremony, Fr Luke Manau, the visionary behind the chapel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Loe and Parish Rector Jack Aitorea for recognising and supporting the needs of the Fox Hill Community.
“I built this chapel not for me but for the people,” he stated, highlighting that the construction was made possible through offerings and tithes collected during his healing ministry.
“This building was built by the offering and tithes, and it is for the people,” he emphasised, reinforcing the chapel’s purpose as a communal space for worship and connection.
His dedication to the community reflects a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all residents.
In his remarks, Fr Luke acknowledged the vital contributions of the Lord Howe community, which played a significant role in the chapel’s completion.
He expressed appreciation for their assistance in the finishing touches that made the consecration possible.
He further acknowledges the Chairman of the building, Mr Fred Tevaka and his committee despite facing various challenges during the construction process, yet they managed to pull off the work mandated to them with collaborative efforts of community members which concluded in a successful consecration ceremony.
As the St Luke’s Chapel officially opens its doors, it stands as a testament to the Fox Hill Community’s dedication to nurturing their faith and fostering connections among residents.
The chapel is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the spiritual landscape of the area, providing a welcoming space for worship, reflection, and community events for years to come.
