On the night of Sunday 20 June, the small chapel in Hogsback, St Patrick-on-the-Hill, burnt to the ground.
Many Hogsback residents saw the leaping flames, and heard a ground-shaking boom!
when a gas bottle inside the church exploded. The following day, small groups went to survey the smoking ruins of the Hogsback landmark.
On the night of Sunday 20 June, the small chapel in Hogsback, St Patrick-on-the-Hill, burnt to the ground.
Many Hogsback residents saw the leaping flames, and heard a ground-shaking boom!
when a gas bottle inside the church exploded. The following day, small groups went to survey the smoking ruins of the Hogsback landmark.
Later, Revd Margaret Fourie said, “The community of Hogsback stands united in our loss. We and many, many others from all over South Africa and in many parts of the world, mourn for our beloved Chapel.
St Patrick’s celebrated its 75th Jubilee this year, barely three months ago, and it has become an important icon on our mountain, not only for the members of the congregation, past and present, but for people of every faith.”
While police are investigating the cause of the blaze, Fourie said, “It really doesn’t matter how it started – it happened, and our task is now to start again.”
Fourie noted the loss of “some very precious things”, including the solid oak pews, brass candlesticks donated by the original owners, books, and the old pedal organ.
Anyone wishing to make a cash donation to the rebuilding and furnishing of the chapel should contact the Treasurer, Quinton Dick, on quintond@intekom.co.za or phone: 045 9621238.
Deposits can be made into the FNB account 519 1000 9690; branch 210419. The name of account is: St Patrick’s Council.
