Chapel life

“One generation will commend your works to another” Psalm 145:4

Wycombe Abbey was founded as a Church of England school, and Dame Frances Dove's aims for the School – the development of each student's talents, fostering an awareness of God and an understanding of the needs of others - remain cornerstones of our life together both in Chapel and across the wider curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Developing the spiritual life is central to what it means to be a well educated person. Through their involvement in Chapel, girls are encouraged to develop a personal rhythm of life which will help sustain these things and, whilst Christian values and teaching are presented, each girl is encouraged to reflect upon them and apply them to her own life in a way that is consistent with her own faith and background.

History

From the very beginning the Chapel was intended to be an asset for all the pupils, staff and Seniors of Wycombe Abbey and it is still much used and much appreciated.

Anne Whitelaw, Headmistress from 1910 to 1925, was a passionate advocate of the need for a School Chapel. In one Speech Day address she said, “I long to be able to make you see the need of the quiet refreshment and inspiration that can come through the medium of a quiet chapel. I long to be able to add it to our lovely place here as its finest, most treasured possession, the finest because it will show…. that we in our generation placed what it stands for, the worship of God in Christ, as the most important, vital, the happiest and biggest thing in our life.”

The foundation stone was laid in July 1926 and the Chapel soon became an essential part of School life.

Chapel Today

Our services offer an opportunity for the whole School to come together and to enjoy one another's gifts within the context of worship. The School day usually begins with a brief service in Chapel. This takes the form of a hymn, a reading or thought for the day and prayers, which are followed by a period of silence; an important chance to begin a busy day with a period of quiet reflection. Frequently one of the Houses organises the service, in which case a House anthem is sung. On Fridays the Houses take it in turns to host a Chapel Appeal in which they explain the charity which they are supporting and encourage the School to give generously to it in the Sunday Collection.

When there is a closed weekend the whole School attends Chapel for the Sunday service - at the beginning of the School year, for example. On other Sundays, Roman Catholics may attend Mass at the local RC church, Jewish instruction is provided for those who wish it or girls may choose attend a shortened service, or may attend for the whole service if they wish to take Holy Communion. Holy Communion is offered every Sunday. During Sunday services we frequently hear sermons by distinguished or inspirational figures and parents are welcome to attend. The Chaplain is keen to facilitate those of other religious traditions who also wish to nurture their faith.

The School Chaplain is on duty throughout the term and is available for discussion on all matters of concern and not only for spiritual issues The Chapel is open all day until it is locked up for the night at about 8.30pm. Girls are welcome to use it at any time. There is a side chapel where there is a ‘votive' candle stand so that they may light a candle and say a prayer. On the altar there is a book for them to write prayers in and this book is placed on the main altar on Sunday as an ‘offering' of the prayers to God as part of the main service.

There is an attached vestry which can be used by girls if they wish to be alone for prayer, contemplation or for any other reason.

In 1986 the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Runcie, said of the School: “Its Chapel shall be its heartbeat.” Many have found this to be true and there is no doubt that it has enthused generation after generation to be true to the School motto “Go Forth in Faith”.