-

Last Night Chapel

We celebrated the last Chapel service of the year by honoring our seniors.
On the evening of Wednesday, May 14, we honored our seniors by celebrating the last chapel service of the year. Last Night Chapel is one of Chatham Hall's most treasured traditions, as we present each senior with their Spiritual Gift and a book to accompany them on their journey. The service also includes Holy Eucharist in the Episcopal tradition, and it is the first time our newly appointed Crucifer and Sacristan serve.

Priscella B., Honor Council President, 2024-’25, shared our gathering words: 
 
We have come from journeys of our own, 
to a place where journeys meet. 
We have come with our uniqueness 
and what we hold in common. 
We have come to celebrate all that we have done 
and all we are called to do. 
This night and all nights, may we be grateful for our gifts and use them for the greater good. 
My spirit to rejoice, my soul to proclaim!
 
 
Presentations to the Senior Class 

Chaplain Beth Barksdale and Dr. Erin McHugh worked together to determine the spiritual gifts of our seniors, and they asked Dean Griswold to present the senior class with their spiritual gifts this year. At Chatham Hall, our students are seen and known, valued for who they are individually and in community. As each senior's name was called and their spiritual gift announced, they also received a book to support them on their spiritual journey. A spiritual gift is an ability that comes freely to minister to the needs of a community in size and depth for the common good. 
 
Now there are varieties of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of services but the same Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NRSV). 
 
Zuri A.Endurance
Priscella B.Wisdom
Eleanor B.Whimsy
Isabella C.P.Faith
Kate D.Spirit
Paloma E.Compassion
Samantha G.Perspective
Lilly G.Steadfastness
Auri H.J.Presence
Sophia H.Stewardship
Parker J.Independence
Sadirah J.Fortitude
Kaitlyn K.Authenticity
Beverly K.Reason
Claire L.Serenity
María L.T.Hope
Tawana M.Determination
Irene N.Creativity
Maeve R.Directness
Elle R.Optimism
Aliah R.Dedication
Rowan R.Thoughtfulness
Julia S.Piety
Aspen S.Devotion
Angel S.Collaboration
Eshal T.Courage
Mary Blair T.Ambition
Annie W.Service
Lizzie W.Honesty
Lee W.Loyalty
Solis W.Confidence
Lucia Y.Curiosity
 
In Chaplain Barksdale's homily, she said, "Sometimes the way that words are read, the practices that people keep, the stories that people tell, carry with them such truth that you have no choice but to tune in. And when this happens, it’s like the depth of one’s soul has made it to the outside world, and everything begins to change. It’s as if the special gifts each of us has triumph over all the noise and racket around us, the distractions, the wonders and what-ifs, because in these moments we let the power of the Spirit lead."

We travel together in search of meaning, having come from many different places and bringing many different gifts.  Bless you, our Seniors, and each unique gift you have been given. Use these to instill hope and bestow kindness to those you encounter on your way.

WATCH THE FULL SERVICE BELOW
Back
800 Chatham Hall Circle  •  Chatham, VA 24531
Main Phone
+1 434.432.2941  

Admissions Contact
+1 434.432.5516admissions@chathamhall.org

Day and boarding school for girls grades 9-12 in the Episcopal tradition.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Please enter your email above