2018-2019 Chapel Theme- "Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth or action."
Upper School Chapel
Tuesday, November 6 - Father Matthew Dayton-Welch
The Reverend Matthew Dayton-Welch, the Rector of St. Alban's Church in Newtown Square, was welcomed to Chapel on Tuesday. He shared the story and struggles of Horatio and Anna Spafford. In the 1870's, the couple tragically lost most of their fortune and their children. Their only son died from scarlet fever. Their four daughters drowned when the ship they were traveling on to England was hit by another ship and sank. Horatio's wife Anna survived. "While Horatio steamed toward England to meet his devastated wife, he asked the ship's captain if he would let the ship sit briefly to idle- in honor of his daughters and the others who drowned in that spot," explained Father Matt. "Horatio took out a pen and some paper, and penned one of the greatest hymns this country has known." Father Matt told students the hymn When Peace Like a River, "is up there with Amazing Grace in its folksy nature. But it comes out of this tremendous place of grief." When the Spafford's returned to Chicago, they were asked to leave their church because the Elders believed their misfortune was a punishment from God. Horatio and his wife believed they received a different message from God. The couple moved to Jerusalem and built hospitals, schools, and orphanages. "So that when God does return, he will see us there, loving others as God loves us now," shared Father Matt. Watch here.
Thursday, November 8 - Diwali Chapel
Eleventh grader Aarushi Singh shared her favorite memories and traditions of the Hindu Festival of Lights- Diwali. "As a child, my favorite part of Diwali was the sparklers," shared Aarushi. Diwali is a five day festival celebrated across India by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. "Today is the fourth day of the festival," explained Aarushi. Lakshmi, the third day, is the most important day and falls on the night of a new moon. "The festival is as important to Hinduism as Christmas is to Christianity," said Aarushi. "Diwali is about celebrating the importance of valuing good over evil regardless of what fortune or misfortune the outcome may have in store. It shows that righteousness isn't a transaction, but a duty we have to each other." Aarushi was introduced by her advisor Dr. Rachael Nichols. Watch here.
Middle School Chapel
Monday, November 5 - Diwali Chapel
Eighth graders Anika Kakarla and Riya Mukherjee led Chapel and taught their fellow students about Diwali. This delightful presentation included a play that Riya and Anika wrote about the victory that Ram, his wife Sita, and Ram's brother Lakshman gained over the forces of darkness. The girls wrote, directed, led rehearsals, and performed in the play that also included thirteen members of their class. Participants included: Dakin Ebmeyer, Kathryn Barber, Owen McCabe, Gianna Trala, Clare Collins, Pepper Claytor, Zack Meltzer, Stefania Calastri, Maggie Lo, Riley Thibodeau, Garrett Sablich, Alex Gobran and Maggie Dugery.
Wednesday, November 7 - The Miracle of the Cross
EA's Technical Services Coordinator Will Forbes shared the story of "The Miracle of the Cross" on Wednesday and how it relates to the cross that leads the procession during Middle School Chapels. This cross was dedicated to Mr. Forbes' great uncle, Lt. Francis Coxe Forbes '38, after he was shot down behind enemy lines while serving as a "Flying Tiger" in southeast Asia during WWII. Lt. Forbes' family donated this cross to Episcopal 75 years ago. The family believed that Lt. Forbes had been killed in action. "But due to near miraculous events Uncle Frank survived and was able to returned to the states where he lived to the age of 98," said Will Forbes. "This story is part of our Episcopal legacy, and it is most appropriate to be reminded of these remarkable events as we approach Veterans Day."
Lower School Chapel
Wednesday, November 7 - Diwali Chapel and a presentation on Sportsmanship
On Wednesday, students learned about Diwali- the Hindu Festival of Lights. At the conclusion of Chapel, P.E. teacher Mr. Ed Silvi discussed The Stripe of Sportsmanship with students. Nine 5th grade students shared what Sportsmanship means to them and how it relates to other EA Stripes like Respect, Gratitude, and Generosity.