02/06/2026
✨🙏🏽 Saturday 30 May marked the joyful conclusion of the building project at St Matthew's Chapelry in Masiphumelele, a milestone celebrated with the installation and blessing of the beautiful stained-glass windows that now grace the worship space. 🪟⛪
The occasion brought together Bishop Stafford Moses, The Venerable Richard Dunsdon, Revd Ulric Groenewald, parishioners of St Matthew's Masiphumelele and St Clare's Ocean View, as well as family and friends, in a celebration of thanksgiving, fellowship, and hope. 💒🤝❤️
The stained-glass windows were generously donated by Andrew and Jennifer Humeniuk in loving memory of Jennifer's parents, the late Dr Richard Nodar and Mary Nodar. This gift reflects the enduring bond between their North American families and the people of Masiphumelele. 🌍❤️
The windows were commissioned from renowned artist Anika van der Merwe, whose work includes the Bishop Desmond Tutu window in St George's Cathedral, Cape Town. In keeping with the Nodars' vision for the building to be used by the congregation and Diocese for the broader community as well, the windows were designed not with traditional religious imagery, but with the rich and vibrant flora of South Africa. 🌺🌿🇿🇦
Dr Richard and Mary hoped that the chapelry would be more than a place of worship. They envisioned it as a gathering place for the community — a space where children could learn and play, where people could find support during times of hardship, and where neighbours could come together in fellowship and care. The floral design reflects this vision of life, growth, healing, and community. 🌱🤲🏽✨
The windows feature indigenous African flowers, each carrying its own spiritual symbolism and traditional significance. Hidden among them are tiny North American wild violets and yellow roses, a touching reminder of the special friendship and connection between the Nodars, the North American partners, and the people of St Matthew's and Masiphumelele. 🌸🌹💛
In a particularly poignant coincidence, the installation of the windows took place on the same day as the funeral of Andrew's mother, Barbara Humeniuk, making the occasion one of both remembrance and celebration. 🕊️❤️ The windows now stand as a lasting tribute to international communion, faith, generosity, and love — a gift that will inspire and uplift generations to come.
The celebration also marked the final gathering with Revd Ulric Groenewald and his family at St Matthew's, as the completion of the project coincided with the conclusion of his ministry there.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Revd Ulric for his leadership, dedication, and faithful service throughout this journey. As he begins a new chapter at St Margaret's, Fish Hoek, on 1 June, we wish him and his family every blessing, happiness, and success. May God guide and strengthen them as they continue their ministry in their new parish. 🙏🏽✨
We give thanks to God for all who have contributed to this project and pray that this sacred space will continue to serve as a beacon of hope, welcome, and community for many years ahead. 🙏🏽✨
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16.🙏🏽✨
