Exeter College Chapel

The Chapel is hard to miss when you come into the College. It is a classic example of the Victorian Gothic revival, designed by George Gilbert Scott and consecrated in 1859. The interior is a beautiful and peaceful space, cleaned and restored in 2007. The Chapel is a deliberately inclusive place which belongs to the whole College, with public services also being open to the general public. People of all faiths and none are welcomed through its doors. It is open all day for those seeking the opportunity to sit and reflect. The Chapel also has a wonderful acoustic and is in much demand for musical concerts. Exeter has a wonderful mixed-voice Chapel Choir, conducted by the undergraduate Organ Scholar, which makes tours in Britain and overseas. The Organ, built in 1994, is a unique example in Britain of the French Romantic style and is one of the finest instruments in Oxford. It can be heard at our regular Tuesday Lunchtime Recital Series. There is a lively Chapel community, which draws together people from many different Christian denominations, as well as those exploring religious faith and broader spiritual issues. There are daily opportunities for Christian worship at morning and evening prayer, as well as Choral Evensong three times a week. Sunday services consist of a morning Eucharist, followed by a good breakfast provided by the Chaplain; and Choral Evensong, usually with a guest preacher followed by Sherry in the Rector’s Lodgings and Formal Hall. Students are welcome to assist in Chapel services as Readers and Chapel Clerks, and to participate in the regular discussion groups, retreats and other opportunities provided to explore and question faith. There are usually three or four Special Services each term at which feast days are celebrated with Holy Mass, often followed by supper in the Chaplain’s rooms or dinner in hall.