Chapel
Christ's Hospital was founded in 1552 partly in response to a sermon preached by the Bishop of London before King Edward VI drawing the young King's attention to the plight of orphaned and homeless children in the City of London.
The Christian character of the Foundation and School has remained a constant in the life of Christ's Hospital for over four and a half centuries.
The School's Mission Statement speaks of the aspiration to present to its pupils the Christian Faith in all its mystery and splendour, but in the 21st Century such an intention can only be realized with a sensitive, understanding and inclusive approach to the task of commending Christ's gospel to members of the School.
Christian values sustain the whole of Christ's Hospital life, enhancing care for the individual, supplying a moral framework for the delivery of education in all its facets and giving pastoral support to anyone who is experiencing difficulties.
The Chapel occupies a central position on the site and provides an inspiring space both for corporate worship on Sundays and Tuesdays and also for smaller, more intimate voluntary services at other times of the week.
The Chaplains work closely with the Director of Music and the Organist to create a reflective and joyful atmosphere in both formal and informal services. There is a robust quality to the congregational singing of hymns in services and the 120 strong Chapel Choir is remarkable in its quality and versatility.
The Chapel and its Chaplains are integral to Christ's Hospital as much in the modern context as in past centuries. The contribution to the formation of pupils at every stage of their school careers by the instilling of Christian principles and ideals should not be underestimated.
All pupils are expected to attend Full School Chapel. We welcome those from different faith backgrounds or with little experience of worship. Whilst we respect the individual's own faith, the style of Chapel services allows us all to reflect. On leaving Grecians (Year 13 students) are presented with a bible to remind them of their school's continuing commitment to the values embodied in the gospel.