Chapel
Senior Chaplain: The Revd B.J. Cunningham
The Chapel of St Anthony, consecrated in 1923, was built as a memorial to
the fallen of the First World War. It contains some of the most important
and influential stained glass in the country. The apse windows were designed
by John Piper and made by Patrick Reyntiens in 1955-6. They show the Son of
God in nine roles, the human figures being based upon sculptures from Chartres
and paintings by Picasso. There is also the charming Seven Ages of Man series
by Hugh Easton (1949). To celebrate the Millennium, the School commissioned
Mark Angus to create a new series of thirty-six stained-glass windows for
the nave illustrating Old and New Testament themes.
The Chapel is a Church of England foundation and there is a Chaplain in Holy
Orders and two Lay Chaplains who teach, lead worship and give pastoral care
within the School community. The Chaplains prepare candidates for confirmation
each year. A Chapel Committee of pupils and staff assists the Chaplains in
the ordering of the School's worship.
The Sunday services vary between Morning Service, Sung Eucharist and Evensong. The Chapel Choir provides music of the highest standard and there are two organs in the Chapel to lead congregational singing. During the week, pupils attend a service and a hymn practice. There are also voluntary services in the Chapel and in the Houses.
In addition to the Anglican services, there is provision for Catholic pupils to attend Mass on Saturday evenings with the local parish Most Holy Name of Jesus. There are about ninety Catholic pupils in the school and their spiritual needs are attended to by Father Brian Leatherland. The Catholic parish priest is regularly invited to preach in Chapel and the links between both Christian churches are strong. Pupils are prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation every two years, and for pupils who wish to make their First Communion, arrangements are more flexible.
The Chapel is where the school community meets. It links past and present, and bears witness, both in itself and in its art and worship, to the abiding values of the Christian Faith.
Confirmation Form 2012