Residents and staff from Whitgift House in Croydon have taken part in a service to mark 40 years of the care home’s chapel.
The chapel, on Brighton Road in South Croydon, opened in 1985, having been dedicated by the then Archbishop of Canterbury in the previous year. The chapel was built as a new facility for residents of the care home and the recently created sheltered flats.
Earlier this month, a celebratory service was led by Fr Michael Walcott, Chaplain in the John Whitgift Foundation, during which those present gave thanks for the chapel and for the community, and remembered those who had previously worshipped there. Bishop Peter Price shared his reflections on the special place of the chapel in the Whitgift community.
Every celebration needs cake
A local bakery had made a special cake to mark the occasion. Resident Harold Hogben cut the layered sponge, which was decorated with a delicate image of the chapel. Residents enjoyed afternoon tea and had the opportunity to see the results of an oral history project made by the History Detectives from Trinity School. Art students at Whitgift School had loaned their impressive wildlife mosaics to residents for this special celebration.
Liubou Harrison, Independent Living Scheme Manager from Whitgift House and Almshouses, said:
“The residents thoroughly enjoyed the 40th anniversary service held at the Whitgift Chapel. It created a warm and joyful atmosphere for everyone present, and residents expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on the chapel’s long-standing presence in the community.”
Quiet contemplation
The chapel features a wooden vaulted ceiling and a stained-glass window dedicated to John Whitgift, the founder of the Whitgift Foundation. Regular services are held in the chapel, which also offers a place for quiet contemplation by residents and staff of all faiths or none.
Roisha Hughes CBE, Chief Executive of the John Whitgift Foundation, said:
“The Foundation has a long and rich history rooted in spiritual and social care. As well as supporting our residents’ physical health needs, we also consider their emotional and spiritual needs. Spaces like our chapels are an essential part of life for our retirement community.”
