New Chapel for CSM

Pentecost is the feast day of the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (CSM) and they commemorate Pentecost Sunday every year. But Sunday 28th May 2023 was a special occasion for the entire community and their Associates, supporters’ families and friends both in Solomon Islands and abroad and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM).

After years of struggle, commitment and dedication, the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia at their headquarters at Verana’aso, Guadalcanal, finally witnessed the consecration and dedication of their newly built chapel, led by the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of ACoM, the Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal and retired Bishop Nathan Tome.

The building of the new church was a massive undertaking that took several years to complete.

Flory Kafa, Secretary to the Community, said: “The plan to build a new church for the community began in 2017, as the old chapel which was built in the 1960’s became unsafe.

“In 2019 the old chapel was deconsecrated by the then Principal of Selwyn college, the Right Rev. David Vunagi and was later pulled down in early 2021. From 2018 we began our fundraising activities and appeal for donations. With kind support from our Associates, families, friends in and around Solomon Islands, businesses, some of our Anglican members in Parliament and our mission partners in UK and Australia and the ACoM, we managed to begin the actual work on the building in 2021,” Flory added.

The construction of the new church building was done in such a way that it reflects the traditional architecture of the Melanesian culture, and the new building retains the size of the old church building at 22 by 40 metres.

There are still a few minor tasks that are yet to be done to fully complete the building, including tiling, painting, incorporating traditional mat weaving at the sanctuary area and the retaining walls outside of the building.

Sister Annie Alaha, Head Sister of the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia in her acknowledgement speech said, the community was happy to have their new church building blessed and consecrated.

Sr Annie said: “We have been using our dining hall and our dormitories for the past five years. As of today, we are so happy that we will go back to the church for our daily devotions and prayers.”

Amongst the 4,000 plus people from Honiara, dioceses and nearby communities who came to witness the event, was the Acting Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh Maelanga and wife, founder of the CSM Nester Tiboe, General Secretary of the ACoM Dr. Abraham Hauriasi and other strong supporters of the community.

Twelve Novices were also admitted by the Archbishop during the Pentecost service and the Right Rev. Benedict Loe preached a powerful sermon based on the theme ‘God never stops working,’.

ACoM Communications

Many thanks to MMUK supporters and parishes who sent funds for the Sisters new chapel.