Chaplain’s report on Zermatt Resort Christmas 2014
To understand fully the evangelistic opportunities open to St Peter’s Church’s chaplaincy, it is
necessary to reflect on the historical background of Zermatt and its attraction, drawing visitors from
different parts the world all the year round.
I begin with the motto of the marketing department of Zermatt, ‘ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW AND
ATTRACTIVE’. Although the history of Zermatt goes back to 600 years ago, claiming fame with the
huge pyramid of the Matterhorn (14692ft), and its surrounding mountains. Zermatt’s place in history
was secured after the first successful climb of the peak on 14th July 1865 by seven adventurous
climbers, only three of whom survived the descent.
Furthermore, because of the weather conditions in Zermatt, it has become one of the great ski as
well as climbing centres in the world. Consequently it attracts skiers, walkers, climbers and
sightseers worldwide. Surprisingly there are only 5,500 permanent residents and 13,500 guest beds.
The large number of visitors creates big demand for hotels, of which there are presently 121.
It is against this background that St Peter’s church has a great opportunity to evangelise and carry
out pastoral work in caring for and ministering to English-speaking people in Zermatt, including
some residents. St Peter’s is known as the ‘English Church’, and incidentally forms a significant part
of the history and tradition of Zermatt. There are several plaques inside the church and grave stones
outside which are associated with British and other people who were among the first to climb the
Matterhorn and other mountains in the area. Since its consecration in 1870 St Peter’s church has
come to represent what has become known as the ‘Golden Age of Alpinism’. Taking Jesus’ word
seriously when He says to ‘go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the
Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded
you and lo I am with you always even to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28: 19-20). I accepted this
challenge happily and took on the chaplaincy at St Peter’s from 16-30 Dec 2014.
During that time I visited several hotels and centres to form links in encouraging people to come to
church. The Matterhorn train, cable cars, and other places in the small town gave me ideal
opportunities to invite people to the services at St Peter’s. Before Christmas I visited three key
hotels, where I was told that many English-speaking people meet for socialisation, and they all
proved successful. The day before Christmas Eve people were offering to read lessons at the carol
services, offers I readily accepted. The next day being Christmas Eve I discovered that St Peter’s
church had found a special place in the heart of the people of Zermatt and visitors. As the doors
opened for the 5pm Carol Service, people began to flood in. Soon all the pews were packed full as
were extra chairs, others sat on the floor and the rest stood at the back of the church. I couldn’t
remember seeing a church so full, everyone squeezing in where they could fit. I was surprised to
discover that the 6.45 pm service was also very well attended–all the pews being full. The end of this
service culminated in a spontaneous round of applause from the congregation. I was pleasantly
surprised when some people came to thank me for inviting them to the service, my reply was that I
am the one to thank them for coming. The midnight service as well as the Christmas Day Service also
had good attendances. At the services the congregations praised, worshipped and listened to God’s
Holy word expounded to them. At the end we glorified God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for a
special time of joy and celebration.
It is worth mentioning that the next day a lady met me near St Peter’s and asked me ‘are you the
pastor of this church?’ I replied that I was the present chaplain. She then revealed that she was from
the hotel down the road, and how people had been talking in the hotel about the service. I was
pleased because Scripture is clear about spreading the Word of God, as Paul said ‘Preach the word of
God in and out of season’ (2 Tim 4:2).
I also had help from various people during the two Sundays I was ministering, for which I am very
grateful. The weather on the final Sunday was particularly snowy and affected people’s ability to
attend.
At this point I must thank Chris Eve and Venessa Brown from England, and Edith Turner from
Geneva, who came to give me help. Also Hazel Perrin and Edith Birtt from the area. My wife for her
co-operation, ICS for the opportunity to proclaim the word of God and carry out ministry at St
Peter’s church, and all the people praying for me. Above all I thank God for His power, love and
blessings he poured upon the people who attended the services and ministered in Zermatt.
The Revd Canon Herrick Daniel