25 YEARS YOUNG
The spiritual heart of our School is The Chapel of the Holy Trinity. Legacies left to Trinity Grammar School, Kew create a myriad of opportunities for future generations. In the early 1990s, Carl Hornemann (OTG 1907–14), chose to leave a generous bequest to his School to enable The Chapel of the Holy Trinity to be built. Carl was an Honorary Life Member of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, and served as its President from 1930–31. In celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Chapel on 16 October this year, we acknowledge Carl’s remarkable vision and philanthropy. Many other members of our community contributed to the furnishing of the Chapel’s interior and we remain indebted to them also. Designed by internationally-recognised architect, Peter Crone, of Crone (formerly Crone Ross) Architects, the Chapel was selected for the highest award, the Victorian Architecture Medal in 1993. The building was described as ‘a gem – visually exciting and, as an expression of our time, it succeeds in adding relevance to religious experiences through means of modern architecture’. An extract from the commemoration booklet advises that: ‘The quadrant shaped building combines both masonry and white porcelain enamelled metal panels. Natural light is admitted through clear glazing between the masonry walls and the underside of the large overhanging roof frame.’ At night, the cross can be illuminated and the whole Chapel is floodlit. Limed Victorian mountain ash was used inside for the pews, main doors and furniture, while the flooring is Mintaro slate from South Australia. A privatelyowned pipe organ was donated and refurbished and still provides wonderful music for our choirs and congregations.
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THE TRINITY GRAMMARIAN | Vol 32 No 3
Upon completion, former School Chaplain The Rev’d Ray Elliott (OTG 1977–90) wrote to then Headmaster Don Marles: ‘I trust you will understand and not mind me saying that in a way I feel that the School has “come of age”. The Chapel represents the crowning of a very great period of development and enhancement of the School – educationally, environmentally, and in its standing and esteem in the community.’ Each year, the Chapel hosts close to 40,000 students, staff, Old Trinity Grammarians, parents, and members of the wider community for regular worship, weddings, baptisms and funerals. Each of our boys participates in weekly or fortnightly Chapel services throughout the year. The boys sing, pray for our School and the world, hear from the Bible, and then thoughtfully engage faith with current issues and culture. Ultimately, we make a statement when we gather together about the sort of school we are – one with a long tradition that takes Christian truth and Christian values seriously. The 25th Anniversary celebrations will take place during the week commencing 16 October, with a formal service on the Monday. We look forward to welcoming back members of our community for this very special occasion in our School calendar. MARGARET SMITH OAM Community Relations – Bequest Officer