The Queen's College Record 2023

Allen Hill. My thanks go to all who helped with these services, particularly the
Steward’s team and the Old Members Office.
During Trinity the Chapel came into its own as a place of stillness and rest as
exams took hold. The Chaplain’s supply of sweets was much appreciated! Services
continued, and the number of tourists was particularly high. We had the second of
two student sermons, a reflection on Pilgrimage by DPhil student Sam Teague (the
first was in Hilary, by undergraduate Sam Troy). The Choir led Evensong at a Queen’s
parish, Toot Balding, preceded by a wonderful tea, and followed by an impromptu
sports day! The Trinity Sunday University Sermon, preached by The Revd Jarel
Robinson-Brown was a highlight. Exams didn’t completely take over of course, there
was also rowing, and the honour of blessing two new boats. But all too quickly, it
was time to say goodbye to our leavers and to reflect on a busy but rewarding year.
Reports and College Activities
One of the joys of this first year has been getting to know students, through informal
chats, after services, and at our weekly inter-disciplinary discussion group Temple
Soc (named for William Temple*, whose portrait looks down on me as I write this
in my office). It’s been a real privilege to see how today’s young adults engage with
sometimes difficult and divisive subjects with kindness, sharpness, and humour.
Seeing students explore and grow in faith (whatever their faith) has also been lovely,
and the year ended with the baptism of second-year student Antonia Johnson.
Throughout this year, in times of sorrow and times of excitement, through services,
silent prayer, and many Trinity Term welfare ice creams, two things have remained
constant in the life of the Chapel: the love of God, and the faithful presence of the
two white pigeons above the door. I have come to know and love this pair and I’m
reminded of one of my favourite verses from the psalms:
‘The sparrow has found her a house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her
young: at your altars, O Lord of hosts’ (84:2)
Credit: John Cairsns
My first sermon of my time at
Queen’s was on the theme of
home, and the space offered by
the Chapel as a home in the midst
of the home of College, to rest, to
explore, to be challenged, and to
grow. I hope that this has been the
case this year, and will continue to
be, in many years to come.
* Fellow (1904-1910) and Archbishop
of Canterbury (1942-1944)
College Record 2023 | The Queen’s College 43