The Maclaurin Chapel

The Chapel is a place of quiet where students and staff can find a space to pray or read or just sit. During semester time, it is open each weekday 8.30am to 5pm.

The use of the chapel for special services or musical activities can be arranged with the Administrator.

The Chapel was built as the result of a gift from Sir William Goodfellow in 1947. He gave a sum of £50,000 for the construction of a chapel in memory of his son, Lt Richard Maclaurin Goodfellow, who was killed in 1944 while serving with the Fleet Air Arm.

The building also recognises Richard Cockburn Maclaurin, who was a distinguished graduate of the then University College (now The University of Auckland). He was President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1909 until 1920.

The complex was designed by Gummer Ford and Partners and construction was by Sargent Construction Company. It was completed in 1964.

The Maclaurin Chapel holds services throughout the week during semester time. All are welcome to attend regardless of background or religious beliefs. Members of the public are welcome to attend Chapel services. 

Our weekly rhythm of prayer and worship: 

• Monday: 9am Morning Prayer 
• Tuesday: 12.10pm Mass – Auckland Catholic Tertiary Chaplaincy 
• Wednesday: 12pm Holy Communion/Eucharist 
• Thursday: 12pm Midday Prayer 
• Friday: 9am Morning Prayer 

During Graduation Week, Graduation Services held in the morning replace Morning and Midday Prayer. 

The Chapel is available to past and present members of the University community for weddings, baptisms and funerals by arrangement with the Chaplain. The Chapel plays a central part in the life of the University, with services in connection with orientation, graduation and other significant occasions in the University year.

Follow us on  Facebook  and Instagram for the latest information on events and services at the Chapel. 

The hall is available to students during semester time from 8.30am-5pm. There are tables for study and places where people can talk to one another. There is a kitchen, and tea and coffee are available. Toilets and basic facilities are available. The complex can provide a place of retreat and refreshment in the midst of the demands of University life.

The Chaplaincy and the University want the complex to be a welcoming place where people can meet and nurture their spiritual needs. It is a witness to the belief that academia and spirituality go together.

Enquiries about hall hire or use of the Chapel should be made with the Administrator, please email maclaurinchapel@auckland.ac.nz.

The Chapel is an ideal place in which to make music. It is used by the Music Department and other groups for this purpose.

The Chapel has a genuine Baroque Organ which is ideally suited to the building. 

All enquiries to play the organ should be made through the Administrator via email.