Hope chapel
A SOUTH Liverpool landmark ravaged by fire has completed its phoenix-from-the-flames restoration.
The iconic Hope Chapel re-opens its doors again on Sunday, three years after fire tore through its distinctive copper pyramid-shaped roof.
The fire at the Hope University chapel, which dates back to 1965 and is in the grounds of its Childwall base, took hold amid work to find the source of leaks to its roof, in April, 2007.
Because insurance did not cover the cost of the blaze, university officials launched an intensive community campaign to restore the ecumenical chapel to its former glory.
Now, thanks to donations totalling £1.3m, the final work has been completed, meaning the landmark, affectionately known as “an oasis of peace” by the university, can reopen in time for three days of celebrations.
It will start with a re-dedication service to the chapel on Sunday.
On Monday, it will host Hope’s annual foundation day celebrations, when comedian Ken Dodd will receive an honorary degree and guests will include Gee Walker, the mother of murdered teenager Anthony Walker.
Mrs Walker was honoured as a senior fellow in one of the last ceremonies in the chapel before the fire.
As well as hosting functions such as winter graduations, the chapel, which is clad with stunning stained-glass windows, is a popular place of worship and reflection for university staff and students.
