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 21^st 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.

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:

Commemorating 130 Years since the opening service of the Chapel

A series of year group Chapel Services were held on 21st May to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the opening of the Chapel. The Bishop of Dorking, the Right Reverend Paul Davies also recognised the anniversary, following the confirmation of seven students on Sunday 19th May.

Patron's Parade

To mark the first Patron's Parade since HM The King accepted the Patronage of Gordon's School, the Chaplain led students, staff and parents in the following prayer:

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,

we come before you to honour your grace and provision

in the establishing and thriving of our school.

Today we particularly give thanks for our new Patron,

King Charles III. Bless him, we pray, and all who are in

authority under him; that they may order all things in

wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace, to the honour

of your name, and for the good of our country. Endue the King,

and all the Royal family, with your Holy Spirit. Grant us

the strength and will to both know and follow you and give us the grace and power to serve one another. These things we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Leavers at the End of the School Year

God our Father, Lord of the past, the present and the future,

As some students prepare to leave Gordon’s and move on to

new places, we come to give you thanks.

Thanks for all the friendships that have enriched our lives,

Thanks for the many things we have discovered and learned,

Thanks the challenges we have faced and worked through,

Thanks for the wonderful experiences we have shared,

Thanks for the laughter and fun we have enjoyed,

Thanks for the teachers and staff who have guided and supported us.

Thanks for our parents and others who have stood by us.

 

Now we ask that your blessing may be with us all

as we find new journeys to travel.

May we walk safely along the pathways we have chosen.

May your gentle hand guide the decisions we make

and the passions we follow.

May our hearts and lives always reflect your love and truth,

and may God’s hope be a light within us that will carry us

into each new day.

 

We ask these things in the name of your Son, the Lord Jesus.

Amen.
 

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.