The Chapel
Chigwell School was founded in 1629 by Archbishop Harsnett, the Archbishop of York, who had previously been vicar of Chigwell.
The School is therefore an Anglican foundation. The current Chapel was dedicated in 1924 and was built as a memorial to those Old Chigwellians killed in the First World War.
Today the Chapel acts as a focus of thought and inspiration for a diverse community representing all the major faiths of the world and those who have no faith. The Chapel provides a quiet place of refuge for thought, challenge, peace and tranquillity; where individuals can reflect and make sense of the world.
Although worship is framed by the singing of Christian hymns, very often talks draw on the breadth of spirituality encompassed by the world religions. During the year pupils will share their own ideas and beliefs in what is a safe and supported environment. Pupils are encouraged to grow in their own faith traditions whilst appreciating and respecting the beliefs of others. Thus Chapel has at its heart the philosophy that all people are valuable and precious.
Chapel is at the heart of a vibrant and diverse community and it is testimony to its importance that those who leave often say how much they miss the quiet and thoughtfulness that the services offer. Many Old Chigwellians return to the Chapel for weddings and the baptism of their children.
The Chaplain on YouTube
Online Services
Bringing words of support and wisdom to our wider school community during the global pandemic of Covid-19, the Chaplain was an early adopter of delivering remote services. More than 20 digital services are available on YouTube, with more being added regularly.
Supporting Charities
The Chaplain leads many charitable initiatives throughout the year with pupils, including our annual Charities Week.
Supporting homeless charity, Streets2Homes, for over ten years, the Chaplain organisations food donations from across the whole school during the Harvest Festival and raises funds at the annual Christmas by Candlelight Service.
Contact Rev. David Wilson
If you need someone to speak to, the Chaplain welcomes anyone in the Chigwell School community to contact him.
Online Services
The Chaplain on YouTube
Bringing words of support and wisdom to our wider school community during the global pandemic of Covid-19, the Chaplain was an early adopter of delivering remote services. More than 20 digital services are available on YouTube, with more being added regularly.
A Source of Inspiration
The Chapel provided the cornerstone for the School's refreshed look in 2020, ahead of our quad centenary.
The leading detailing seen in the School's crest is representative of the supportive framework at Chigwell. New illustrations draw upon the Chapel's beautiful stained glass windows, and the mitre, symbolic of our founder, remains front and centre.
The ribbons on the mitre are called infulae and have their origins in the headbands worn by Greek athletes.
Rev. David Wilson, Chaplain
"The ribbons on the mitre are called infulae and have their origins in the headbands worn by Greek athletes. Someone who was victorious in the games would wear the victory wreath and the ends of the headbands would hang down at the back.
A Bishop’s mitre includes the infulae to symbolise faithfulness and victory and comes from St Paul in the New Testament;
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of victory awaits me..." (2 Tm 4:7-8)."
Rev. David Wilson, Chaplain
