Rugby Chapel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rugby Chapel
Rugby Chapel
General information
Town or city	Saskatoon
Country	Canada
Construction started	1883 in P.A.; 1910 moved to Saskatoon
Completed	1912
Demolished	preserved site
Client	University of Saskatchewan

Rugby Chapel is a special historic building located on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. The university, often called the U of S, is the biggest school in the province of Saskatchewan. It sits right next to the South Saskatchewan River.

The story of the chapel is connected to the university's early days. A school started by the Rt. Rev. John McLean in Prince Albert in 1879 was later named the University of Saskatchewan in 1883. When the university was officially set up in Saskatoon in 1909, a part of it called Emmanuel College moved there, bringing its buildings along.

A Gift from England

A plaque at Rugby Chapel tells its story.

The chapel you see today was built in 1912. The money to build it was a gift from the students and teachers of a famous school in England called Rugby School. The students of Emmanuel College, led by their principal George Exton Lloyd, helped build the chapel themselves.

This chapel replaced an older one from 1909. For many years, it was the main place of worship for Emmanuel College. This changed in 1966 when a new chapel, St. Chad's Chapel, was opened. Today, Rugby Chapel is still used for worship and learning.

A Unique Wooden Church

Rugby Chapel has a very interesting design. It was built to look like a traditional stone church from England, but it's made of wood. This makes it quite unique.

Some of its special features include:

• Gothic windows: These are tall, pointed windows that are a classic feature of old European churches.
• Norman tower: The tower over the entrance porch is built in a sturdy, simple style known as Norman architecture.
• Wooden vault structure: Inside, the ceiling is supported by a beautiful wooden frame.

The chapel is an important symbol. It shows the connection between the Anglican Church, the British people, and the early history of Western Canada.

Memorials and Stained Glass

Inside the chapel, there are memorials that honor early pioneers and soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars. The beautiful stained-glass windows have also been studied and recorded by the Institute for Stained Glass in Canada.

Nearby Historic Sites

If you visit the University of Saskatchewan campus, you can see other historic places near the chapel:

• The College Building is a National Historic Site of Canada.
• The Victoria One Room School House was moved to the campus and is also an official heritage site.

See also

• List of colleges in Canada § Saskatchewan
• List of universities in Canada § Saskatchewan
• University of Saskatchewan