The centenary of Durham School’s chapel was marked with a service featuring the world premiere of an anthem by acclaimed composer and former pupil Will Todd.
Built in 1926, the chapel is a memorial to Old Dunelmians who lost their lives in the First World War.
The service on Saturday 24 October brought together pupils, former pupils, staff and families to honour that history and celebrate its continuing place in the school community.
Dr Michael Alderson, Headmaster of Durham School, said: “For 100 years, our chapel has stood at the heart of Durham School, a place where generations of pupils have gathered to worship, reflect, and mark important moments in school life. It remains so today.”
At the heart of the service was Will Todd’s new setting of Before Action, a poem written by fellow Old Dunelmian William Noel Hodgson shortly before his death on the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He is commemorated in the chapel’s stained-glass windows.
The new anthem was performed by a combined choir of current pupils and former members of the school community, conducted by Will Todd.
Dr Alderson added: “It was a privilege to welcome so many members of our community. The premiere of Will Todd’s beautiful setting of Noel Hodgson’s words was a particularly moving reminder of the chapel’s origins and the connections which bind generations of Dunelmians together.”
Former pupil the Rt Revd Nigel Stock gave the address, reflecting on the chapel’s significance and the importance of giving young people opportunities to encounter faith and explore spiritual questions.
Following the service, celebrations continued with the Old Dunelmian Society’s Annual Dinner in Big School, where former pupils aged from 18 to 93 gathered to r celebrate their shared connection with Durham School.
Durham School, part of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, is an independent co-ed school for pupils aged three to 18.