On Saturday 3 May 2025, the Chapel of St Francis of Assisi (also known as St Francis of the Fynbos), in Ferraria Road, Betty’s Bay, was consecrated and dedicated by the Bishop of False Bay, the Right Reverend Stafford R Moses.
A consecration and dedication like this only happens when a building is complete and furnished with all things necessary for public worship, and is free from all liability for debt. Therefore, this celebration was to give thanks to God for the vision of the pioneers for an Anglican community in Betty’s Bay over 40 years ago, for those who opened their homes for worship, for the relationship they had over the years with their Catholic brothers and sisters, and especially the clergy, and for those people involved with building and equipping the chapel.
It was a joyful occasion and the little chapel was packed; there was a marquee erected in the courtyard to accommodate all the extra people who attended. The singing was accompanied by a choir and there was a small marimba band, as well. The Bishop blessed each different area of the chapel for it the purpose it has, for example the font for baptisms, the lectern for reading God’s Word, the pulpit for preaching, and the altar for sharing the sacraments of Holy Communion. In his message to the congregation, he expressed the wish that St Francis Chapel would be a beacon of hope to the community in Betty’s Bay. “Let us dance and sing on this new journey,” he said, “and in all our actions demonstrate our love for God and God’s people.”
Sunday Worship and Communion service: 9:00 am
Chapel Wardens: John McDonald 0822287951, Eugene Batts 0825673151, Heidi Pap 0837563540
Rachel Norton