Hendon Aerodrome Takes Flight Again

By Janelle Hill

The well known West Lakes Function Centre, built on the site of the former Hendon Aerodrome, is set to take flight once again, but this time as a centre for the activities of Citywide Christian Fellowship. The new owners have re-named the facility ‘Chapel on the Boulevard’. The well-appointed building and grounds have been tastefully modernised, and further plans are afoot to improve the complex.

The site of Chapel on the Boulevard was once the operations base of South Australian Legend, Captain Harry Butler. A famous acrobatic airman, Captain Butler was also the first man to fly across the Gulf to the York Peninsular, delivering mail to isolated farmers. A memorial to Captain Butler still remains in the beautiful entrance gardens at the Chapel. From this special landmark, Citywide Christian Fellowship now looks forward to delivering mail of a different kind to the community - the message of hope and life in Christ.

Citywide Christian Fellowship is not new to Adelaide, and was originally based in Hillcrest. It is connected to church groups across Australia and the wider South East Asia and Papua New Guinea, and is well-known for its work in bringing the Vision One choir and orchestra together to perform the Jerusalem Passion during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.  During this time, many came together from congregations across the city to sing and proclaim the message of hope for Christian unity. Such was the popularity of this powerful oratorio, that it was performed again in 2003, with many past choir member’s eager to sing again together with new and enthusiastic singers.

The Citywide congregation comprises of families and individuals from as far as Hillbank, Birdwood and Hackham. 

Outgrowing their property at Hillcrest, a two year long search for a new property began. Frank Craig, Property Development Manager, said, ‘After 20 years at Hillcrest, we were beginning to grow out of the building.  We are a growing congregation and want to make room for many others who may like to participate with us. We are hopeful that our move will provide a new venue for people of the community to meet us, and be helped and inspired by the message we bring. The central location makes this venue accessible from across all parts of Adelaide’.