St Edmunds : Life at St Edmund's : Chapel

The College chapel, a grade 2 listed building, was designed by Fr.Benedict Williamson, C.SS.S. Its original design included a nave, a high altar and six side chapels. It was opened and blessed by Francis Bourne, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, on 16 October 1916 and dedicated by the Rt Revd.Peter Smith, Bishop of East Anglia and an Honorary Fellow of the College, on 25 October 2000. The side-chapels or oratories reflect the early history of the College and its benefactors.

A new window depicting the ministry of St Boniface of Crediton (c.675-754), the apostle to Germany, was blessed by Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and Visitor of the College, on 21 January 2003. The window was donated by Professor Stephen Frowen, a Fellow Commoner of the College, as part of the Anglo-German friendship. The window was designed and executed by Erica Bauer Bamberg.

The chapel remains open around the clock throughout the year and members of the College have commented on its tranquil and restful atmosphere. Visitors admire and enjoy the prayerful simplicity of the architecture. The liturgy is celebrated in the chapel according to the rites of the Roman Catholic Church. Mass is celebrated for members of the College and guests from other Colleges and the city on Sundays at 10.30am and on weekdays at 6.30pm.

A good ecumenical spirit prevails in the chapel and during the week of special prayer for Christian unity, January 18-25, there is an ecumenical service. In recent years the visiting preachers have been drawn from the Anglican, Catholic, Congregationalist, Methodist and Russian Orthodox communities. The Eucharist is celebrated for Anglican members of the College each term. Details of these celebrations are listed in the chapel card. Arrangements can be made for other Christian groups in consultation with the Dean. In recent years some alumni of different religious persuasions have returned to the College for the celebration of Marriage and Baptism. The Archbishop of Canterbury's licence is required for Anglicans wishing to be married here. These are arranged by the Rector of the Parish of the Ascension.

During full term informal morning prayers are held once a week and there is a weekly Bible Study. Taize services are held each term. The theologians in College hold two seminars each term and there is usually an open lecture on some aspect of Theology. Jamie Barron of Jesus College is the Organ Scholar and directs the College choir, which is open to all members of the College. Rehearsals are held weekly during full term. Details are posted on the chapel card.

The chapel purchased a new organ, built by Wyvern Classical Organs of Woking, Surrey, in 1999. The post of organ scholar was established in 2001. Further information about the chapel and the organ scholarship are available from the Dean, the Revd. Dr.Michael Robson, OFMConv. There are limited funds available to Roman Catholic priests, secular or religious, enrolled as members of the College.