University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids University of GlasgowMemorial Chapel |
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Christian |
| Leadership | Rev. Dr Carolyn Kelly - Chaplain to the University |
| Year consecrated | 1929 |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | University of Glasgow |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John James Burnet |
| Architectural style | Scots Gothic |
| Groundbreaking | 1914 |
| Completed | 1929 |
| Specifications | |
| Direction of façade | West |
| Capacity | 320 |
| Website | |
| www.gla.ac.uk/chaplaincy | |
The University of Glasgow Memorial Chapel is a special building at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. It was officially opened on October 4, 1929. This chapel was built to remember the students and staff from the university who sadly died in the First World War.
You can find the chapel in the West Quadrangle of the university's Main Building. It was designed by a famous architect named John James Burnet. The chapel is also a very important historic building, protected as a category A listed building.
Contents
A Look Back: The Chapel's History
The University of Glasgow used to be located on High Street. There, it used an old church that belonged to a group of monks called the Black Friars.
In 1870, the university moved to a new place called Gilmorehill. However, the new buildings, including a chapel, took many years to finish. The west side of the new building's West Quadrangle was open at first. Stairs led to an area called The Square, where professors and the university's leader, the Principal, lived.
One of these staircases, the Lion and Unicorn Staircase, was even moved from the old university site! By 1900, the university needed more space. So, in 1914, they decided to build a new section to close off the West Quadrangle. This new section would include more rooms and a chapel.
Building the Chapel
John James Burnet was chosen to create the plans for this new extension. Construction started in August 1914. But work had to stop because of World War I.
Building began again in 1923. However, bad weather and money problems caused more delays. The buildings were finally finished in 1929. Inside, the chapel was decorated with beautiful wooden stalls and carvings made by Archibald Dawson.
Ten amazing stained glass windows were installed in 1931. These windows, designed by Douglas Strachan, show all of human life as a spiritual journey. Later, another window called the Benedicite Window was added above the altar in 1962. It was designed by Lawrence Lee.
Remembering Heroes: The Chapel's Dedication
After World War I, a sad decision was made. The new chapel would be dedicated to the memory of the 755 men connected to the university who died in the war.
The university's Principal, Donald MacAlister, explained why:
After thinking carefully, everyone agreed that the memory of these men, and our thanks for their bravery, should be linked to our place of worship. This way, their example would always inspire Glasgow students in the future.
The chapel was officially dedicated in a service on October 4, 1929. The Right Reverend John White led the service. On the wall behind the Communion Table, there are special plaques listing the names of those who died in World War I. Other plaques near the stalls remember the 405 university members who lost their lives in World War II.
Chapel Services and Events
The chapel holds daily services during term-time. It also hosts special events throughout the year. Before Christmas, there's a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols on the last Sunday of term. A Watchnight service is also held on Christmas Eve.
Students, staff, graduates, and even children of staff members can get married in the chapel. It is also used for baptisms and funerals. While Civil marriages and civil partnerships cannot be legally performed there, they can receive a blessing in the chapel.
The current chaplain of the university is Reverend Dr Carolyn Kelly. The university also has honorary chaplains from other religions and faiths.
The Chapel Organ
The chapel's organ was built by Henry Willis & Sons in 1927. It was later updated by Harrison & Harrison in 2005. This organ was a gift to the university from Joseph Paton Maclay, Lord Maclay. He gave it in memory of his two sons who died in the war.
The organist is Kevin Bowyer. He is a very famous performer and has made many recordings. He also directs the Glasgow International Organ Festival, which happens every June in the chapel since 2006.
The Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir sings at services and concerts every Tuesday evening at 6 pm during term-time. They also perform at other events in the chapel, like the Remembrance Sunday service, the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and weddings.
The choir has between 28 and 32 singers. These include students, staff, and graduates. The choir sings in a mixed voice style called SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass).
The choir has made many recordings and has traveled a lot. They have toured the United States (2002), where they sang at Saint Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue. They have also visited Germany (1999, 2000, 2004, 2010), the Baltic states (2007), Tuscany (2009), Amsterdam (2012), Sweden (2016), and China (2018).
The director of chapel music is Katy Lavinia Cooper. She started in April 2015 after James Grossmith left to become the chorusmaster of the Royal Swedish Opera.
