MICHAELHOUSE IMPACT REPORT 2025 FINAL

RENEWING THE SPIRITUAL HEART OF MICHAELHOUSE

Written by: Jason McCormick

to pursue the more technically demanding widening of the chapel. The acoustic studies confirmed that this design

would best preserve and enhance the exceptional choral sound that has long been a defining feature of worship in the chapel. The result has been remarkable. When the boys returned following completion of the project and filled the expanded space with their first rendition of Stars of the Morning, the moment was deeply moving. Once again, the entire school could gather together in a single space, united in voice and worship. Particularly striking is the sensitivity with which the expansion honours the heritage of the original building. Many who have visited the completed chapel have commented that the additions appear so natural that it seems “as though it has always been this way.” This seamless integration stands as a tribute to the skill of the architect and the extraordinary craftsmanship of the artisans who worked on the project. Great care was taken to ensure authenticity in every detail. Sandstone was sourced from quarries closely matching the original material, while brickwork, timber and interior finishes were executed

Few building projects undertaken by Michaelhouse in recent decades have captured the attention and the imagination of the school community quite like the expansion of the chapel. For 125 years, the chapel has stood at the spiritual centre of life at Michaelhouse: a sacred space where generations of boys and Old Boys have gathered in worship, reflection and celebration. The original chapel, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, was constructed in 1901 when the school moved from its original home in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg to its present campus in Balgowan. As the school grew, however, the chapel soon proved too small for the expanding community. In 1955 the building underwent its first major enlargement, a project dedicated to the 128 Old Boys who lost their lives in the Second World War. In recent years, Michaelhouse once again reached a point where the chapel could no longer comfortably accommodate the full school. During Full School Eucharist services, one boarding house was required to sit in the crypt beneath the chapel in order to allow the remainder of the boys

to exacting standards. The project was overseen by an extensive team of specialists and project managers, reflecting both the complexity of the undertaking and the importance of the building to the life of the School. Beyond its architectural significance, the chapel expansion also stands as a powerful testament to the enduring generosity of the Michaelhouse community. The project was made possible through the leadership and philanthropy of a small group of Old Boys whose deep connection to the School inspired their support. Their generosity continues a long tradition of stewardship within the Michaelhouse family - Old Boys giving back to the institution that helped shape their lives. The wider community was also invited to participate through opportunities to sponsor new pews and support the restoration of existing seating within the expanded chapel. In this way, families and Old Boys alike have been able to leave a lasting legacy within this sacred space. Today, the renewed chapel stands both strengthened and renewed - faithful to its historic role while ready to serve future generations. More than simply an architectural achievement, the chapel remains the spiritual heart of Michaelhouse: a place where boys gather in reflection, community and faith as they begin their journey toward becoming men of significance.

and staff to gather above. While workable for a time, this arrangement ultimately meant that the entire school could not worship together in one space - and that members of the wider Michaelhouse community were often unable to attend services due to lack of capacity. The vision to expand the chapel once again therefore emerged: a project aimed not simply at increasing seating, but at restoring the ability of the full school community to gather together in a shared act of worship. Given the central role the chapel plays in the spiritual life of the school, the project was approached with great care and sensitivity. Under the guidance of school architect Nick Grice (Farfield, 1968), several design possibilities were explored. Two principal concepts were considered. The first proposed a cruciform layout, extending two horizontal “arms” from the altar perpendicular to the existing structure. The second option involved widening the chapel through the addition of two side chapels running the full length of the building. While architecturally elegant, this approach presented significant technical challenges, requiring the careful removal and reinstatement of hundreds of sandstone blocks forming the historic window surrounds of the original structure. Following extensive consultation - including detailed analysis by an acoustic engineer - the decision was ultimately made

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