Hitherto the School had worshipped in the Church, but increasing numbers had made “the building of a school chapel,” as Dr. Pears said, “no longer a matter of choice, but of necessity.” A site within the arch was applied for, but without success: at last the present site was procured, and on August 26th, 1858, in the presence of a large number of visitors, the foundation stone was laid. After a special service, Dr. Pears presented a silver trowel to Earl Howe, who, striking the stone twice with a mahogany mallet, said, “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I declare this stone duly laid.”
Underneath the stone a bottle was placed containing various coins of the realm, and a parchment, bearing the following memoranda:—
Stet Fortuna Domus.
REPTON SCHOOL CHAPEL.
In commemoration of the 300th Anniversary of the Foundation of
SIR JOHN PORT’S SCHOOL AND HOSPITAL.
The first stone was laid August 26th, 1858,
By RICHARD WILLIAM PENN EARL HOWE,
Acting Governor of the School and Hospital.
Hereditary Governors of the School and Hospital:
EARL HOWE, for Marquis of Hastings, a minor;
EARL CHESTERFIELD; SIR R. GERARD, Bart.
Master of the Hospital—REV. W. E. MOUSLEY;
Headmaster of the School—S. A. PEARS, D.D.;
First Usher—REV. G. M. MESSITER.
Second Usher—REV. G. P. CLARKE.
BUILDING COMMITTEE.
- Hon. G. Denman.
- Dr. Pears.
- Rev. W. E. Mousley.
- Rev. G. M. Messiter.
- Rev. G. P. Clarke.
- A. Hewgill, Esq., M.D.
- T. P. Bainbrigge, Esq.
- A. N. Mosley, Esq.
- I. Clay, Esq.
- B. W. Spilsbury, Esq.
- Rev. J. F. Bateman.
- Rev. E. J. Selwyn.
- Rev. J. Davies.
- C. Worthington, Esq.
Architect—I. H. STEVENS. Builders—Messrs. LILLEY & ELLIOTT.
SCHOOL CHAPEL.
The Chapel originally consisted of nave and two transepts, with a five-light window in the east end. In 1867 a semi-octagonal apse was added at the east end, in memory of Mrs. Pears, who died in April, 1866. In 1880 the nave was extended, two bays, westwards, and an organ, built by Messrs. Gray and Davidson, was fixed to its west wall. In 1884-5 a south aisle was added, the organ removed to its east end, the middle window inserted in the west wall of the nave, and gas was introduced. The style of the building is Perpendicular.
To the memory of Masters, Boys, &c., many of the windows in the apse, south transept, south aisle, and nave, have been filled with stained glass, most of them by Messrs. J. Powell and Sons, of Whitefriars, London.