Chapel on the Hill

-Zelia Mullins-

Prince Albert is home to a small congregation of Roman Catholics who feel passionate about having their own place of worship. For several years, parishioners celebrated Mass twice a month in various homes throughout the village.

However, in March 2005, Eddie and Joyce Gleeson decided to make their dream come true and started building the Chapel, which was given the name of “All Saints” on its completion later that year.

Eddie and Joyce received a lot of support and donations – monetary and in kind - from locals and visitors alike, Catholics, as well as non-Catholics. The Chapel is a perfect example of what can be achieved if everyone works together for the greater glory of God. Eddie, when interviewed, exclaimed “Do you know how many people helped to build the Chapel! There won’t be enough space in the Friend to list all their names!”

Eddie, assisted by the late Don Erasmus, did most of the building himself. The pews were found in a storeroom at St Conrad’s in Dysselsdorp, as was the beautifully carved wooden altar. The “Stations of the Cross”, which grace the walls, were painstakingly made by an old priest also from Dysselsdorp.

The picture window of Christ which holds place of honour above the altar was donated by Father Kevin Reynolds, a regular visitor to Prince Albert. Father Kevin and Eddie have been friends since their school days in Pretoria. The window was made in 1985 in memory of Father Kevin’s mother by Leo Theron of Oudtshoorn. The exquisite stained-glass windows were made by Joyce and add the final spiritual touch. More recently, Peter McEwan, our very own choir master, donated a keyboard to keep the congregation on the right note!

Eddie Scheffler, a retired DRC Missionary, landscaped the Chapel’s surrounds and donated the wood for the cross which hangs above the Chapel’s door. Eddie Scheffler also hung the cross on the dam at the Koppie. Interestingly, both crosses are made from the wood of the same tree, which originated in Gutu, Zimbabwe. And this is where destiny starts to play a wonderful role in this story. Eddie Gleeson’s father was a Missionary - in Gutu. Eddie served in the BSA Police - in Gutu. Don Erasmus had a farm - in Gutu and Mrs Hannah Burger, also of Prince Albert, farmed and had a weavery - in Gutu.

Bishop Edward Adams dedicated the Chapel on 15 October 2005. However, all this time and effort would have been in vain were it not for the commitment and love of Father Brian Williams who travels twice a month from Dysselsdorp to minister to the small congregation.

During its short existence, All Saints has hosted a memorial service for Don Erasmus; and wedding services for Dirk and Loreta Jacobsz and for Vanessa and Danie Bothma. A First Holy Communion Mass was celebrated on 25 November 2006 when Christopher Mullins received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. More recently, the Chapel witnessed the renewal of nuptial vows between Eddie and Joyce Gleeson after 40 years of wedded bliss!

Holy Mass is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of every month at 11:00 and everyone is most welcome to attend. Why not come along and give thanks to God in our Chapel on the Hill (in the Industrial Area, Magrieta Prinsloo St) with a view of the majestic Swartberg Mountains, which God created for us all.