Introduction to Guildford Grammar Preparatory School
Chapel
Guildford Grammar School is an Anglican School which is
theologically inclusive, liberal and orthodox; as such worship and
the teaching of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics are central to its
purpose. The School welcomes students from all or no religious
backgrounds; however, all students are required to attend Chapel
and classes in Religion, Philosophy & Ethics.
The School is blessed with a magnificent Chapel, dedicated to St
Mary & St George. The Chapel and Chapel life are at the heart of
the School, providing the raison d’etre for the School’s existence.
The Chapel was consecrated on the Feast of the Annunciation of
the Blessed Virgin Mary (Lady Day), 25th March, 1914. Each year
the School community remembers its Founders and Benefactors
and the significance of the day with its ‘Lady Day’ celebrations,
which include services for all students in the Chapel. While the
Chapel is located near the Senior School, it is very much the
Chapel of the whole School and to that end Preparatory School
services are held there regularly. Eucharists for Years 3 to 6 take
place in the Chapel each Term while students from Kindergarten
to Year 2 have a service there once a semester. The Chapel is
also a quiet place that all members of the School community can
use as a place for prayer and reflection.
Most Preparatory School Chapel services take place in Priestley
Hall every Thursday; Years 1 to 6 gather every three weeks, as do
Years 3 to 6 and Kindergarten to Year 2. At the services, Father
Philip Raymont, the Senior Chaplain, and Father Barry Moss, the
School Chaplain, are assisted in the worship by a Chapel team
made up of the Preparatory School Chapel Captain and several
Chapel Assistants, drawn from Years 5 and 6. Throughout the
year the different classes in the School have an opportunity to
assist in the leadership of the service, by reading or dramatising a
reading from the Bible, and by producing and saying prayers.
Singing of hymns and spiritual songs is important in the School’s
worship and each Monday students gather for congregational
singing (‘Congo’), where they learn a wide range of hymnody
and songs which adds to the quality of our worship.
Practical expression of the Christian foundations of the School
include a ‘Service to Others’ program in association with the
Anglican Parish of the Ascension Midland, whereby visits are
made by students of Years 5 and 6 to the Midland Nursing
Home and Morrison Lodge. Such visits might include a service of
worship, or social and sporting activities with the residents. This
practical expression will be expanded in coming years as Service
Learning is embedded in the academic curriculum and through
co-curricular activities. As of 2019 Father Barry will be Director of
Service for the whole school.
Baptisms can be arranged for students at the School.
Arrangements can be made for any student completing the ‘Going
to the Lord’s Supper’ course to be liturgically welcomed to Holy
Communion, at an appropriate School service. Normally, such
ministrations take place in the context of the broader School’s
Community Eucharists over any weekend during term time.
The Chaplains are responsible for the spiritual life of the School,
which includes Chapel Services, the various ministrations of the
Church and the teaching of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics with
a Christian perspective. They are available as spiritual counsellors
for all members of the School community.
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