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The Chapel

The Chapel of Saint Edward the Confessor

Chaplain: The Reverend Graham Wright
Email: gwright@gordons.school

Erected in 1894 at the request of Queen Victoria, in memory of her grandson, The Duke of Clarence and Avondale (Prince Albert Victor Christian Edward) the Chapel cost £2,838 to build, and was raised by public subscription; The Queen and The Prince of Wales were among the principal donors. The Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, and a sister of General Gordon attended the Dedication Service on 21st May 1894.

The window depicting Prince Edward the Martyr dates from 1894 in memory of the Duke. Old Boys who died in the South African War and the First and Second World Wars are commemorated on plaques and pews, those who fell in the world wars are also memorialised in the 'Book of Remembrance'. The Chapel contains fine memorials and exhibits, including a copy of C W Joy's famous painting Gordon’s Last Stand. It is also home to our School Colour presented in 1985 by Her Majesty The Queen. Two Colours came prior to this, the original, presented in 1895 by Dr Hope of Chobham, and the 1955 Colour presented by HRH Prince Philip. The Statue of the Chapel’s patron saint was dedicated in 2002 by the Bishop of Guildford, thanks to a donation by an anonymous ex-student and his spouse.

The School's underlying Christian ethos stems from our Chapel.

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Chaplaincy 

Students at Gordon’s visit the chapel once a week to sing and experience a moment of quiet reflection. Although the chapel is for the use of the Church of England, we aim to touch on topics that students of all faiths can relate to, including those who do not practise a religion. Topics of peace, kindness and justice are explored, and the school character values of courtesy, integrity, diligence, enthusiasm, and resilience also feature. The chaplain aims to show God’s love through learning about Jesus and what that can mean for individuals and is happy to offer pastoral support to both students and staff.

The chaplain's prayer for  Israel and gaza

God of all peoples –

of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac, and Ishmael

our hearts are broken at the suffering and murder of your people.

Our voices cry to you for peace and for justice.

Comfort those who grieve,

Console and heal the injured,

Be close to those in fear,

Restrain, with your mighty hand, those who perpetrate violence.

 

Send our world leaders your wisdom and grace along with the strength

and ability to mend what is broken and, with your help, to put right what is wrong.

Help us to always seek justice, peace, and security for all.

We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

remembering general gordon

The school commemorates the inspirational life of General Gordon, in whose memory the school is founded, annually at the end of January over Memorial Weekend. Students march along Whitehall to the statue of General Gordon at Victoria Gardens Embankment where a short service takes place and wreaths are laid. The Gordon Memorial Service is held at Guildford Cathedral on the Sunday of Memorial Weekend and includes a guest preacher to deliver the Gordon Sermon. Below are scenes from the 2024 Whitehall Parade to the Gordon statue.

 

The Gordon Memorial Service at Guildford Cathedral:

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Chapel visitors

We have recently welcomed two inspirational speakers to talk on life's big questions. Justin Brierley (radio presenter, podcaster, author) addressed the question 'How on earth can it make sense to believe in God?' and Guvna B (a rapper, broadcaster and author) spoke about his faith.