Community care continues at former convent

The heritage site of New Zealand’s only Anglican convent is again welcoming Christchurch families and children in need.

Designed by Benjamin Mountfort and his son, Cyril, the former Community of the Sacred Name convent has been transformed to house support services provided by the Home and Family Society.

The category one timber-framed heritage building on the corner of St Asaph Street and Barbadoes Street still includes the original chapel.

The former Community of the Sacred Name convent has been restored in the central city.

Supported by a $950,000 Christchurch City Council Central City Landmark Heritage Grant, the earthquake-damaged building has been reopened at a special ceremony today following a multimillion-dollar makeover.

Home and Family Society Executive Director Val Carter says it is remarkable that the building is still fulfilling its original function as a support base for children and families after nearly 125 years.

Ms Carter says the building has been adapted for changing needs, but remains true to the core role established by a group of Anglican nuns in the late 1890s.

A pioneer of social services, Edith Mellish (Sister Edith) founded the Community of the Sacred Name in 1893 to care for mothers and children in colonial Canterbury. Among the early trainees was district nursing founder Sybilla Maude (Nurse Maude). Work began on the two-storey convent in 1894.

The building is also noted for its craftsmanship, including the chapel’s stained glass windows by British artist Veronica Whall and work by renowned carver Fredrick Guernsey.