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. Scott Blythe - 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 chapel at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. It was officially opened on October 4, 1929. This beautiful building remembers the students and staff from the university who died in the First World War.
The chapel is found in the West Quadrangle of the university's Main Building. It was designed by a famous architect named John James Burnet. Today, the chapel is a very important historic building. It is protected as a category A listed building.
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History of the Chapel
The University of Glasgow used to be on High Street. There, it used an old church that belonged to monks called the Black Friars. In 1870, the university moved to a new place called Gilmorehill.
The new university buildings took many years to finish. At first, there was no chapel in the new location. The West Quadrangle of the new building was open on one side. Staircases led to a square where professors lived. One of these staircases was the Lion and Unicorn Staircase. It was moved from the old university site.
By 1900, the university needed more space. In 1914, they decided to build a new part to close off the West Quadrangle. This new section would have more rooms and a chapel.
Building the Chapel
John James Burnet was chosen to create the plans for this new part of the university. Building work started in August 1914. However, it had to stop because of World War I.
Work on the chapel began again in 1923. But there were more delays due to bad weather and money problems. The buildings were finally finished in 1929. Inside, the chapel has beautiful wooden seats and carvings. These were made by Archibald Dawson.
The chapel also has ten amazing stained glass windows. They were designed by Douglas Strachan and put in place in 1931. These windows show human life as a spiritual journey. Later, in 1962, another window was added. This was the Benedicite Window, above the communion table. It was designed by Lawrence Lee.
Remembering Those Who Served
After World War I, a decision was made. The new chapel would honor the 755 men from the university who died in the war. The university's leader, Donald MacAlister, explained the decision. He said they wanted to remember these men in a special place. This would help future students remember their bravery.
The chapel was officially dedicated on October 4, 1929. The service was led by the Right Reverend John White. On the walls behind the Communion Table, you can see the names of those who died. Other plaques list the 405 university members who died in World War II.
Chapel Services and Events
The chapel holds daily services when university classes are in session. It also hosts special events throughout the year. Before Christmas, there is a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This happens on the last Sunday of the term. A Watchnight service is also held on Christmas Eve.
Students, staff, and graduates of the university can get married in the chapel. It is also used for baptisms and funerals. Civil marriages and civil partnerships can have a blessing ceremony here. However, the actual legal ceremony cannot take place in the chapel under UK law.
The current chaplain of the university is Reverend Scott Blythe. The university also has honorary chaplains from other religions.
The Chapel Organ
The chapel has a grand organ built by Henry Willis & Sons in 1927. It was later updated by Harrison & Harrison in 2005. This organ was a gift to the university. It came from Joseph Maclay, Lord Maclay. He gave it to remember his two sons who died in the war.
The organist is Kevin Bowyer. He is a well-known performer and has made many recordings. He also directs the Glasgow International Organ Festival. This festival is held in the chapel every June since 2006.
The Chapel Choir
The Chapel Choir sings at services and concerts. They practice every Tuesday evening during term-time. They also perform at other chapel events. These include the Remembrance Sunday service and weddings.
The choir has about 28 to 32 singers. These include students, staff, and graduates. The choir sings in a SATB style, which means Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass voices. The choir has recorded many songs and gone on several tours. They visited the United States in 2002. There, they sang at Saint Thomas Church in New York City. They have also toured Germany, the Baltic states, Tuscany, Amsterdam, Sweden, and China.
The director of chapel music is Katy Lavinia Cooper. She started this role in April 2015.
