In the Spring edition of Moore Matters I outlined plans for the replacement of John Chapman House with a new residential building that will be home to over 100 single and married students. While the present JCH building has served the College well for 75 years, it is in urgent need of replacement. In the providence of God we hope and pray that there will be a new JCH by 2023, with a design and facilities that reflect the centrality of Christian community at Moore.
The life of a College community occurs in housing, the library, study activities, classrooms, the College Chapel and informally, in courtyards and outdoor spaces. In fact, it occurs wherever students and faculty gather for study, ministry and life! While community life isn’t simply enabled by a building design, it can be impeded if a building isn’t designed with community life as its key focus. Good design makes it easier for community members to interact and learn together, to see one another, to find places to pray, study and spend time together, all while tussling with God’s word and encouraging one another at a critical stage in their lives and ministries.
A community above all is a ‘connected’ group of people brought together by circumstances, common purpose, shared beliefs, motivations, practices, and a desire to share life together. Moore College already has a strong community, but the new building will help sustain and enhance opportunities for this richness of community life centred on the Word of God.
The current JCH has given good service in spite of its leaking roof, inadequate spaces, structural flaws and poor sound proofing on the noisy City and Carillon Road intersection. After seventy-two years it is in need of replacement. Would you consider supporting this new development? We hope in the kindness of God that we can raise up to 50% of the cost, or approximately $20 million. Please consider how you might partner with us in this venture.
Instead of the new JCH, you might prefer to support our varied program of student scholarship support. You can support a variety of the needs including support for Indigenous students, and students destined for global or regional ministry on our website. Would you support us and pray for us at this time?
Please contact me if you have a prayer request, or if you have any questions. You can email me at trevor.cairney@moore.edu.au or phone my direct line at +61 (0)2 9577 9900 (please leave a message if I’m not available to pick up the phone).
