The Chapel and Chapel Services
Michaelmas Term 2021:
We are very pleased to have the full choir back singing seven services a week this term, and to be able to welcome members of the public as well as members of college and their guests. There is no need to book except for a few special services, or for groups of 10 or more, who should email chapel.administrator@new.ox.ac.uk. We will be unable to admit groups that have not pre-booked. Please wear a face covering if you are able. Service plans may change as the covid situation develops.
We're also very excited that our termly Lutheran Vespers service will return on Sunday 17 October at 17.45, featuring Bach's Cantata Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz? (BWV 138). Tickets for this service are now available here.
There will also be a Solemn Requiem for All Souls on Saturday 30 October at 17.45, and the College Commemoration Service, with candlelit procession, on Sunday 31 October at 17.45.
Weekly services (Friday 8 October - Saturday 4 December):
Please note that the services on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 October are special college occasions and may be very full; we may be unable to admit members of the public.
Sunday 17.45 Choral Evensong
Monday 18.15 Choral Evensong (Clerks' Voices)
Tuesday 18.15 Choral Vespers (Boys' Voices)
Tuesday 21.00 Choral Compline (Clerks' Voices)
Thursday 18.15 Choral Evensong
Friday 18.15 Choral Evensong
Saturday 17.45 Choral Evensong or Choral Eucharist
Sunday evensong will also be livestreamed on the New College Choir YouTube channel.
Details of Christmas services will be available later in term. The carol services are not open to the public; please do not request tickets if you have not received an invitation to do so, as we may be unable to reply to your request at such a busy time of year.
Service Sheets
History
When William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, founded New College at the end of the fourteenth century, he placed the service of God at the heart of College life. The Chapel was made the most inspiring of the College buildings and was provided with a permanent choir to support and enliven its worship.
The Chapel community today seeks to carry forward this same tradition of praise and thanksgiving, petition and intercession, as part of its local witness to the universal presence and power of God's love. We are an inclusive community, and hope that all who come here will find themselves welcome.
Together, the Chapel and Ante-Chapel form the first T-shaped plan, a form which has since become familiar in a number of Oxford and Cambridge college chapels.
There are many items of interest housed within, including:
William of Wykeham's crozier
18th century stained glass
A spectacular reredos
A large ornamental screen behind the altar
A statue of Lazarus by Jacob Epstein
The world-famous New College Choir still sing Evensong, which everyone is free to attend.
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