Chapel Furnishings
A saint George Icon-Banner in memory of fr. dr. robert darwin crouse
At the time of the funeral for Fr. Crouse in the King’s Chapel in January 2011 the Chapel executive decided to commission a banner icon of Saint George to replace the 1907 Saint George banner that had hung in the chapel for almost a century.
A banner of Saint George and the Dragon was presented to the University of King’s College in 1907 by Earl Grey, Governor-General of Canada, 1904-1911. This banner was one of nine embroidered and appliqued flags commissioned by Lord Grey to be placed in various learning institutions across the country. According to L.A.M. Lovekin, c. 1910, “It is understood that it is the intention of the Governor General to give these banners, on the conclusion of his term of office, to different educational institutions, where, it is hoped, they will unconsciously help to infuse into the rising generation a sentiment for art, for colour and for idealism, teaching young Canadians that it is the duty of every individual, after the fashion of St. George, to kill the Dragon of evil wherever it may be found.”
This banner survived the King’s College Windsor fire of 1920. It was removed to Halifax and hung in the King’s College Chapel until it was removed to the archives for safe keeping because of its deteriorating physical condition. Until the Banner was removed from the Chapel it was used regularly for outdoor processions and had been an integral part of the devotional life of students and all who worshiped in the Chapel for almost a century.
H.M.C.S. King’s: Baptismal Font and COlours
The ante-chapel is the entrance lobby at the west end of the Chapel. Historically, this area of a church was used for baptism of new Christians into the faith, which traditionally occurs on the eve of Easter, during a night of vigil. The baptismal font is located here as a visible sign and constant reminder of this beginning of a new life. Our baptismal font is the ship’s bell of H.M.C.S. King’s, given to the College for housing 3,160 volunteer reserve naval officers in training from 1941-1945. The regimental colours, guidon, and commanding officers sword of the Haifax Rifles, an armoured regiment organized in 1860, are also laid up in the antechapel.
About the Colours, John Gordon Quigley wrote the following in his book A century of rifles: 1860-1960:
“It is with especial pride that we record that these COLOURS were given to the Regiment by the Corporation of the City of Halifax, in the year 1862, in recognition of valuable service the Regiment was performing in training themselves in their spare time to be ready to defend Canada as they are doing today. The presentation took place on November 10th, 1862. The day was proclaimed a Public Holiday, and a full review of Permanent Force and Reserve men too place on the Commons. Mrs. P. C. Hill, wife of the Mayor of Halifax made the presentation on behalf of the Halifax City Council. Captain William Chearnley, (Captain Commanding) accepted the COLOURS on behalf of the Regiment. At the outbreak of the Second World War the COLOURS were deposited with due ceremony in the Chapel of the University of King’s College, where they still remain.”
Altar
The altar, representing Christ Himself, stands at the east end of the building, in the direction of the rising sun, to recall both the Creation and the Resurrection and to anticipate the Second Coming. The Chapel altar, which was originally designed for the Hensley Memorial Chapel in Windsor, was extended by two panels when it was brought to Halifax.
Eagle Lecturn
The oak eagle lecturn, an excellent example of English wood carving, was also brought from Windsor. The eagle with outstretched wings signifies the flight of the Gospel over the world, and is also the symbol of the fourth evangelist, Saint John. It was acquired in 1893 by the efforts of Mrs. Willets and Mrs. Vroom who collected donations for the piece.
Stained Glass
The stained glass in the Palladian window above the altar, appropriately depicting the young Christ among the doctors in the temple (Lk. 2:41-52), is in memory of the Rev’d Dr. Charles Willets, President of the College from 1889-1904. Side panels in the sanctuary depict our Lord teaching by the sea (Mk.4:1) and at supper in Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35).