The Chapel of Ease (Continued)
2. Some additional information from Bishop Abdulah
‘Shortly after being Consecrated and taking up the wonderful challenge of being Bishop of the diocese
in 1970, it became clear to me that there was need for a vision for the church in Trinidad and Tobago.
This was triggered by the fact that the diocese would shortly be celebrating the centenary of it
establishment, since the first Bishop was appointed in 1872. I put forward a four-point programme,
one of which was the establishment of an Anglican Church Centre where residential conferences,
retreats and education for mission would be held.
‘As we searched for a suitable site, the property at Maraval held for the Parish of All Saints’ was
identified. The parish needed a church and other facilities on this site, and it was agreed that the place
of worship required by the Centre would also serve the needs of the parish. The Rector and Vestry
relinquished its hold on the property, and in exchange, the Diocese agreed to provide the parish with a
Church.
‘The Centenary Appeal was launched, plans for the Centre were drawn up and approved, so that by the
time the Provincial Synod met in Trinidad to mark the Centenary of the Diocese in June 1972, the
ceremony for the Laying of the Foundation Stone was duly held. The then Governor-General, Sir
Solomon Hochoy, was among the large gathering present for the historic occasion. The Archbishop of
the Provice was, however, unable to be present and his place was taken by the then Bishop of
Jamaica, the Rt .Rev. Cyril Swaby.
‘The Chapel was to have been Phase I of the project, since the site was also to provide
accommodation for retreat and conference participants. Unfortunately, a series of obstacles reared
their heads, so that Phases II and III were not undertaken.
‘In the design of the Chapel, advantage was taken to have kitchen facilities in close proximity to the
‘worship area’, which was to be furnished with chairs, so that movement from worship to meals and
meetings would take place in the one space. The altar was to have been placed on a low moveable
platform so that it could be wheeled into the recess provided when not required.
‘As it has transpired, the All Saints’ Parish does have a growing congregation at the Chapel of Ease,
where there is the added advantage of an informal atmosphere, which is supportive of families
attending. The parish has been able to care for the building and its environs, presenting what is now
‘an oasis’ in a busy village, which is exactly what was the original intention.’
2. Some additional information from Bishop Abdulah
‘Shortly after being Consecrated and taking up the wonderful challenge of being Bishop of the diocese
in 1970, it became clear to me that there was need for a vision for the church in Trinidad and Tobago.
This was triggered by the fact that the diocese would shortly be celebrating the centenary of it
establishment, since the first Bishop was appointed in 1872. I put forward a four-point programme,
one of which was the establishment of an Anglican Church Centre where residential conferences,
retreats and education for mission would be held.
‘As we searched for a suitable site, the property at Maraval held for the Parish of All Saints’ was
identified. The parish needed a church and other facilities on this site, and it was agreed that the place
of worship required by the Centre would also serve the needs of the parish. The Rector and Vestry
relinquished its hold on the property, and in exchange, the Diocese agreed to provide the parish with a
Church.
‘The Centenary Appeal was launched, plans for the Centre were drawn up and approved, so that by the
time the Provincial Synod met in Trinidad to mark the Centenary of the Diocese in June 1972, the
ceremony for the Laying of the Foundation Stone was duly held. The then Governor-General, Sir
Solomon Hochoy, was among the large gathering present for the historic occasion. The Archbishop of
the Provice was, however, unable to be present and his place was taken by the then Bishop of
Jamaica, the Rt .Rev. Cyril Swaby.
‘The Chapel was to have been Phase I of the project, since the site was also to provide
accommodation for retreat and conference participants. Unfortunately, a series of obstacles reared
their heads, so that Phases II and III were not undertaken.
‘In the design of the Chapel, advantage was taken to have kitchen facilities in close proximity to the
‘worship area’, which was to be furnished with chairs, so that movement from worship to meals and
meetings would take place in the one space. The altar was to have been placed on a low moveable
platform so that it could be wheeled into the recess provided when not required.
‘As it has transpired, the All Saints’ Parish does have a growing congregation at the Chapel of Ease,
where there is the added advantage of an informal atmosphere, which is supportive of families
attending. The parish has been able to care for the building and its environs, presenting what is now
‘an oasis’ in a busy village, which is exactly what was the original intention.’
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| Chapel of Ease |
| The Parish of All Saints |
| The Anglican Church Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago |
