As Tiona Chapel continues to grow as a sacred space of gathering, prayer, and renewal, it has been blessed with two beautiful and meaningful gifts, each carrying deep story, symbolism, and care.
The first is a vibrant and meaningful gift commissioned by the West Pennant Hills Congregation
A commissioned artwork titled “Gathering at Tiona” by local Worimi artist Lara Went now hangs in the Chapel office, a vibrant expression of connection to land, spirit, and community. Lara’s work honours the stories woven through this place and invites all who enter to reflect on their own journey of faith and belonging.
“This piece represents the waterways surrounding Tiona and the Green Cathedral. On the left is the ocean with guparr (dolphin), the totem animal of the Worimi people. On the right is the lake with the turtles, showing connection and longevity. Spread throughout the artwork is the circles and U shapes representing people connecting on country. The main big connection circle is the Green Cathedral, a very special place for many to gather together. The flora throughout the artwork is wattle, flannel flowers, cabbage tree palms and eucalyptus leaves, all found surrounding the area.”
- Artist Lara Went
The other gifts, a handcrafted worship table and collection bowl, were created from the last remaining pew from the former Community of Christ church in Bulahdelah. This pew, built for the original 1904 church, known as the Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and later transferred to the 1964 building, carries over a century of prayers, hymns, and quiet moments of worship. When the Bulahdelah congregation closed, most of the pews were sold to the Bulahdelah congregation, but Gary Haynes, a longtime member, saved one—White Beech timber, beautiful and full of memory.
Gary shares:
“The first item I made from the pew was a collection bowl in memory of my late wife, Phillis Haynes, which I donated to Green Cathedral Ministries. The last remaining timber has now been used to make tools for the new chapel. It has given me great pleasure to make these items on behalf of all members, past and present, of the Bulahdelah congregation. Please accept them on their behalf.”
– Gary Haynes.
These gifts are more than beautiful additions, they are gifts of memory, connecting past to present, and reminding us that the Spirit continues to move through the hands and hearts of our people.
Pictured Below: West Pennant Hills Pastor Candice Care-Unger and Green Cathedral Co-Pastor Wendy Ballard with the commissioned artwork by Lara Went. Gary Haynes and Irene Worth (Phillis Haynes’ sister) beside the handcrafted worship table and collection bowl made from the last Bulahdelah pew.
