Contemplate for a moment the stones beneath your feet. They’ve witnessed centuries of prayers within St John’s Chapel. This chapel isn’t just a building. It is a living testament to faith, music, and history.
St John’s Chapel has been a focal point for Christian worship long before St John’s College even existed. Originally, it was consecrated in 1530 as the chapel of St Bernard’s College. The chapel was later re-dedicated to John the Baptist in 1557.
The St John’s Chapel that stands before you today is largely the result of an 1843 reordering by Edward Blore. Sir Edward Maufe later made further alterations in the 1930s. Look closely at the chequerboard floor. It is said to date back to the Restoration period. Most of the chapel’s other features are from the 19th century.
William Laud, a significant benefactor of St John’s College, had altar rails installed. These rails were later moved to a parish church in Northmoor. You can still see them there today. The remains of the 17th-century screen now reside in Painswick House in Gloucestershire.
Notice the wooden reredos behind the altar in St John’s Chapel. Charles Kempe created it in 1892. Kempe also designed the east window. It features figures like Sir Thomas White and Henry Chichele. Chichele was the founder of St Bernard’s College.
Most of the monuments were moved to the Baylie Chapel. It is located to the north of the altar during the reordering. Here, you will find the monument to William Paddy. He was the physician to James I. The monument features the snakes of Asclepius. A black urn holds the heart of the antiquary Richard Rawlinson. You can also find a marble relief of the baptism of Jesus. It commemorates president William Holmes, a great benefactor to the college.
William Laud enriched St John’s College during his presidency. He donated fine pre-Reformation ecclesiastical vestments. These vestments are displayed every term. Laud’s friendship with Orlando Gibbons led to the composition of “This is the record of John”. It is a superb anthem sung regularly in St John’s Chapel. It had been neglected for centuries. It is now recognized as one of the supreme English anthems.
The eagle lectern in St John’s Chapel was carved by John Snetzler in 1773. The silver candlesticks date from 1720. The altar cross of 1945 commemorates the 300th anniversary of Archbishop Laud’s execution.
St John’s Chapel also houses significant pieces of contemporary art. A small triptych of The Life of John the Baptist by Nicholas Mynheer sits to the right of the altar. In the Baylie Chapel, a modern Coptic icon of The Baptism of Jesus. It was made in Egypt. Two windows by Ervin Bossanyi depict scenes from the life of St Francis of Assisi. His son Jo donated them.
Sir Thomas White wanted St John’s to have a choir. It was to assist in the provision of chapel services. His wishes have been observed for over 400 years. Today, the Choir consists of women and men. They are undergraduates and graduates from St John’s and elsewhere in the University. They enjoy singing a varied repertoire under the direction of the Choir Director.
The Choir sings choral evensong every Wednesday in term time. It also leads the singing at Sunday evensong. It also sings for special occasions. Carol services and gaudies for example. The Choir has also toured extensively abroad.
William Laud gave St John’s College its first pipe organ. It was to enhance the Chapel music-making. This was particularly close to the founder’s intentions. A new organ was created for St John’s Chapel in 2008 by Bernard Aubertin.
As you leave St John’s Chapel, remember the layers of history. Think of the music that has resonated within these walls. Reflect on the enduring power of faith.