The Chapel

The College was founded by Robert d’Eglesfield in 1340 to be ‘a place of education and religion’ and the latter aspect of the College’s duties are now primarily fulfilled through the life of the College Chapel, albeit with fewer chaplains and theologians than in the fourteenth century. There has been a chapel at Queen’s since 1382 and our current building was consecrated on All Saints’ Day in 1719 as part of the College’s extensive redevelopment at the turn of the eighteenth century.

Throughout its long history, the Chapel has been a space at the heart of College for marking beginnings and endings, for baptisms, confirmations, funerals and weddings of College members, and a place of petition and thanksgiving through crisis and festivity. Alongside our regular pattern of services during Full Term, it remains a quiet place at the heart of a busy institution for retreat and reflection, available to all.

All are welcome at our services (please see below), many of which are sung by our excellent Choir. If you are a College member interested in being baptized, confirmed, or being married at Queen’s, please contact the Chaplain.

The Chaplain: The Reverend Mrs Katherine Price

Primarily, the Chaplain is here to be a supportive presence to all staff and students during their time at Queen’s. This involves encouraging students in their intellectual, sporting or artistic endeavours, accompanying individuals through the highs and lows of their Oxford life in pastoral conversation, and nurturing the Chapel community.

The Chaplain is here for everyone, regardless of their worldviews (religious or otherwise), and she can usually be found in Front Quad 5/2, telephoned on (2)79143, or e-mailed. She is not always able to solve your problems but can listen to you in what is a safe and confidential space, help you find ways through your difficulties, and sometimes – with your permission – coordinate on your behalf with other sources of support (for example, counsellors, the College GP or Nurse, or the Tutor for Undergraduates). Not unusually, people just drop in to eat toast and have a cup of tea. You are always welcome.

Times of Services

During Full Term, the Chapel follows this pattern of services:

Public services

All choral services are open to the public free of charge, with a collection for charity. During term-term (22 April - 16 June) Choral Evensong will take place at the following times:

Wednesdays   6.30 pm
Fridays            6.30 pm    
Sundays          6.15 pm

Exceptions:

Sunday 20 May: College Communion at 6 pm
Wednesday 6 June: Choral Mass at 6 pm
Wednesday 13 June: Leavers' Service at 6.15 pm

On Sunday 29 April, the Choir will be singing Evensong at the Parish Church of Sulhamstead and there will be no choral service in Chapel.

College services

In addition to the choral services, all members of the College community are welcome to attend the following services:

Morning Prayer: Monday to Friday at 8.45 am
Thursday Devotions: see termcard for weekly details
Holy Communion: Sundays at 9.30 am