Theology House moves into new quarters

The plaque at the entrance to the new home of Theology House.

25 Oct 2012

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon Peter Carrell welcomed a happy gathering of “friends and supporters of Theology House, the Anglican Resource Centre, or the Social Justice unit” to the house at the corner of Yaldhurst and Curletts Rd that will serve as their (semi-permanent) home until a new Anglican Centre is built.

John Sheaf, Vicar of St Peter’s Church, noted that the completion of Petersgate’s extension next door had freed up the house for “other ‘waifs and strays’ from around the city”, and welcomed the supporters of those waifs and strays.

Theology House administrator, Chris Church, added her “thank you” to John Sheaf and the Parish of Upper Riccarton for their generosity in making the house available, and also for helping with Theology House’s move to this new location.

Expressing his gratitude to Theology House for hosting the Social Justice unit, Jolyon White, Social Justice Enabler for the Diocese and Anglican Care, commented on the “really great resource for us being at Theology House”.

The committee for the Anglican Resource Centre, which actually provides the funds for Theology House’s holdings, was represented by David Winfield, who noted the importance of having its resources in very near proximity to the Anglican Centre.

The centre has approximately one thousand books and DVD resources for children, youth and family ministry. It is open from 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

“People can drive down the driveway of Petersgate Counselling, around into our driveway and park right on site. We hope being able to drive to the door will encourage people to make use of the resources.” Theology House Director and Diocesan Director of Education, Rev’d Dr Peter Carrell said. Many other theology and church history books will also be available from Laidlaw College in Bryndwr, where Rev’d Carrell will also have his office. “My office at Laidlaw is a temporary solution but allows me to stay in touch with Anglican students and I am teaching there as well as part of my work.” He said.

Bishop Victoria Matthews blessed the new location in these words:

Eternal God,
bless all schools, colleges, and universities,
especially we pray for College House Institute of Theology
of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia,
the Anglican Resource Centre of this Diocese,
and the Social Justice unit of Anglican Care and the Diocese of Christchurch;

That each and all may be lively centres
of sound learning, discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom,
founded upon the love of God.

Grant that all who teach and all who learn in this place
may find you to be the source of all truth,
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

And in the name of the Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I bless this plaque and the intention of College House Institute of Theology, and the Resource Centre, and Social Justice Unit to lead in discipleship, godly learning and the formation of Christian lives,
to God’s glory and the furthering of the Kingdom of God on earth.
Amen.