Within the hallowed halls of St John’s College stands the Memorial Chapel. It stands as a testament to sacrifice and remembrance. This chapel is not just a place of worship. It’s a living memorial to those who gave their lives in service.
The story of the Memorial Chapel begins with the Crypt Chapel. Construction on this lower chapel started in 1915. Designed by Fleming, it served as the foundation for the grander chapel above. The Crypt Chapel is intimate. It seats about 100 pupils. Each house of the college attends services here for a week. Adjacent to it lies the Garden of Remembrance.
Above the Crypt Chapel rises the War Memorial Chapel. Completed in June 1924, it was dedicated in 1926. It honors the staff and pupils who fell in battle. The War Memorial Chapel includes the Delville Wood Memorial Chapel. This special space houses one of only five Delville Wood crosses in the world. The 3rd Regiment South African Infantry entrusted it to the school.
Inside, the Memorial Chapel is breathtaking. It accommodates about 500 people. This includes staff. A fully functioning pipe organ fills the space with music. The organ is the largest of its kind in South Africa. A choir gallery sits at the rear above the main entrance.
Baker and Fleming designed this architectural masterpiece. The view from the northwest shows its grandeur. From the east, the clock tower stands tall. The interior is magnificent. A rood screen stands before the main altar. Carved panels depict the Community of the Resurrection 1906-1934. The reredos behind the altar completes the sacred space.
The Memorial Chapel at St John’s College is more than bricks and mortar. It is a sanctuary of remembrance. It is a place of reflection. Here, history and faith intertwine. Generations of students have passed through its doors. They come to honor those who came before. They find solace. They find inspiration. The Memorial Chapel stands as a symbol of courage. It stands as a symbol of sacrifice. It stands as a symbol of hope.