The 2025 Chronicle

EXCERPT FROM THE REPORT TO THE NATAL DIOCESAN SYNOD

challenges, requiring the careful removal and reinstatement of hundreds of sandstone blocks forming the historic window sur rounds of the original structure. Following extensive consultation - including detailed analysis by an acoustic engineer — the decision was ultimately made to pursue the more technically demanding widening of the chapel. The acoustic studies confirmed that this design would best pre serve 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 fol lowing 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 addi tions 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 to exacting standards. The project was overseen by an extensive team of specialists and project managers, re flecting both the complexity of the undertaking and the impor tance 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 sup port. 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, fam ilies and Old Boys alike have been able to leave a lasting legacy within this sacred space. Today, the renewed chapel stands both strengthened and re newed - faithful to its historic role while ready to serve future generations. More than simply an architectural achievement, it 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.

Written by the Revd Chris Meyer

Michaelhouse has many facets to its iden tity. The school is one of only two indepen dent, all-boys, all-boarding schools in South

Africa (and one of fewer than ten worldwide).

As if this were not enough, we also celebrate our identity as an overtly Christian school, committed not just to a historic ethos and set of founding values but to modelling the practice of Christian faith in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, we re main grateful for our place within the Anglican family. And this report provides an opportunity to honour the good relationship the school enjoys both with Bishop Nkosinathi, as Episcopal Visitor, and with his representative on the Board of Governors, Canon Delysia Timm. On behalf of the school, we wish them both every blessing for the future. CHAPEL REDEDICATION What makes a year truly significant are those events that are unique or rare. One such moment of profound significance was the Service of Rededication which marked the end of a very suc cessful, year-long building project to enlarge and renew the icon ic Michaelhouse Chapel. This cherished space is without doubt the beating heart of the school, and the result is a chapel that honours its rich heritage while once again offering space for the entire school to come together in worship. The rededication ser vice was marked by thanksgiving and appreciation for those who made the renewal possible, while also offering an opportunity for the Michaelhouse community to recommit themselves to God and the unchanging purposes for which the Chapel was built. CHRISTIAN FOCUS WEEK Fittingly, the renewed Chapel was first brought into full use during a vibrant and impactful Christian Focus Week. This mis sion-orientated event gathered five keynote speakers, a team of more than 25 youth leaders and Old Boys (drawn from church es across the province) and a programme enriched by music, testimony and creative engagement. The week, which drew on the Biblical theme of “Journeying with Jesus”, was exception ally well received by both boys and staff and has undoubtedly raised the spiritual temperature at Michaelhouse. This event has also served as a powerful reminder of the obligation and privilege entrusted to our Diocesan schools: we are missionary organisations called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, with faith, courage and creativity, in season and out – and in a way that is relevant to the young people in our care.

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“Bless what we do now in laying this stone in thy name, and be thou, we beseech thee, the beginning, the increase and the consumation of our word which is undertaken to the Glory of thy name.” Dean of Natal, Michaelmas Day (29 September, 1908)

watch a video of the Chapel Extension project

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