| |
|
The
chapel
The
deep Christianity of Roland Philipps and Stanley Ince was
reflected in the chapel at Roland house although neither
had responsibility for setting it up.
During Roy Shapley's time at the house,
in 1924, he was responsible for clearing out a cellar and
turning it into a "quiet room". On Sunday evenings
the service of Compline was often said and there soon arose
suggestions for a chapel. In view of the cosmopolitan nature
of the area, some people expressed doubts about the idea
but in 1925 the Board of Management agreed on a Christian
basis for the work of the house and work on the chapel was
started. The Chapel of St. Francis was dedicated by the
Bishop of Stepney on November 13, 1925. The wooden cross
from Roland's grave (which had been replaced by a stone
memorial) was placed in the chapel, which very soon became
a vitally important part of the house.
|
Over
the years the little chapel was enlarged and beautified. Morning
and evening prayers were said every day and Holy Communion celebrated
on three occasions in the year -Roland's birthday (February 27),
the anniversary of his death (July 7) and Remembrance Day. As
the years passed, gifts were given to the chapel and leaders who
gave great service to East London were commemorated in memorial
panels and in a variety of furnishings.
Many
people found Roland's chapel to be a haven of peace in the bustle
of East London and this was particularly true during the dark
days of World War II.
|
