The Ruatara Chapel

Open Peaceful Nurturing

The Ruatara Chapel reflects the contemplative and nurturing spirit at the heart of Vaughan Park. It was named in honour of Ruatara, a Nga Puhi chief from the Bay of Islands who assisted the Rev. Samuel Marsden in establishing a Christian mission in Aotearoa New Zealand in 1814.

On Sundays, we encourage you to worship at the local Anglican church in the parish, St. Mary By The Sea, 168 Deep Creek Road, Torbay. Services at 8am (Holy Communion, using the New Zealand Prayer Book) and 10am (intergenerational service concluding with Holy Communion). There are other denominational services held at Brown’s Bay.

A Prayer for Vaughan Park

God of creation and new beginnings,
God of history and human affairs,
grant all who gather here a deep sense
of your restorative power and presence.

Grant that persons of little faith,
no faith or great faith may find here
new and increasing hope to sustain them.
May all groups who gather here find:
deeper vision
better plans
greater effectiveness,
because you have been with them
hidden or overtly.

May all committed to the vision of Vaughan Park
be inspired to implement
Christian hospitality,
worship,
life-enhancing encounter and
education.

God bless this place:
Through it enrich the wider Church
and New Zealand community.
This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

 -The Rt Rev Bruce Gilberd