Plate 10.
Repton School Chapel. ([Page 77.])
Mr. Exham’s House.
CHAPTER XI.
REPTON SCHOOL TERCENTENARY AND FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOL CHAPEL, &c.
The year 1857 was a memorable one for Repton School, for three hundred years it had existed with varied progress.
A goodly company of Old Reptonians assembled to commemorate the event on Tuesday the 11th of August. They dined together in the old “big school,” the Honourable George Denman presided, and was supported by the Masters of Etwall Hospital, and Repton School, and many others.
The next day a much larger number of invited guests arrived. They again assembled in the “big school.” At eleven o’clock the Right Honourable Earl Howe, Chairman of the Governors of Etwall Hospital and Repton School arrived, the head boy, W. L. Mugliston, delivered a Latin speech. The Headmaster, Dr. Pears, read an account of the Founder, and founding of the Hospital and School, of its incorporation by royal charter, granted by King James I. in 1622, and subsequent benefactions to the School. He, further, gave an address on the principles, objects, and practical working of the School, and other kindred institutions. After this all proceeded to the Church, where they were received by the Incumbent of Repton, the Rev. W. Williams. The prayers were read by him, and the Headmaster, the lessons by the Rev. G. M. Messiter, and the Rev. G. P. Clarke. The sermon was preached by Dr. Vaughan, the Headmaster of Harrow, the text chosen was Romans XI. 36, “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
After the service the visitors, &c., had luncheon in the “big school,” a few speeches were made, and the Rev. T. Woodrooffe, Canon of Winchester, a parent, suggested that a lasting memorial of that day should be a School Chapel, a most liberal response was made to the appeal.