Guildford Grammar School Chapel
The Guildford Grammar School Chapel, also known as the Chapel of St. Mary and St. George, is one of the three latest Revival styles in Australia - the Gothic Perpendicular Revival. It was designed in 1912 by English architect Sir Walter Tapper. Many skilled tradesmen helped in the completion of the building, including some who were employed from the United Kingdom. The Chapel was built during the headmastership of Canon Percy Umphreyville Henn, who sought funds for its construction immediately after his appointment in 1909. He found a generous benefactor in Englishman Cecil Oliverson who paid for the full cost of the building. It was consecrated in 1914.
It was constructed from Donnybrook stone with interior woodwork of English Oak. He also donated the large gold-leaf rerados above the altar. The chapel has attracted significant numbers of photographers since its construction - due to its unique construction and classic proportions.
During the school's academic year the Chapel is in daily use for services and congregational singing practices for the students. Boarders and some members of the school community attend the Sunday services. Marriages are celebrated almost every week while Baptisms, Introductions to Holy Communion and Confirmations are help fairly frequently. Funerals occur rarely. Special services are arranged to celebrate such events as Palm Sunday, Easter and Christmas.
During the second World War Guildford Grammar School was commandeered by the United States Navy for use as a hospital. During their three months' occupation the students were evacuated to Fairbridge, near Pinjarra. The Navy painted two red crosses on the Chapel roof, one on each side of the slope. When the school population resumed residence in 1943 the Australian Army offered to replace the painted tiles but school authorities decided that it would be better to paint over the crosses with tile-coloured paint. Today that paint has almost worn off so once again the crosses are visible as a sign of GGS's contribution to the war.
The Meckering Earthquake of October 1968 damaged the central bell tower on the roof - and other damage occurred at that time as well. A bible, gifted to the School by King George V of England, was destroyed in a fire in the Sacristy fire in 1980. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II graciously provided a replacement.
