Ashton School, a Church of Ireland comprehensive school in Cork, has had a school chapel since 1988.  That year, on Saint Andrew’s Day (30th November) the Bishop of the day, the Right Reverend Roy Warke, dedicated a room in the original Georgian building (known as Ashton House) as a small chapel for use by the school community.

Ashton House was refurbished completely in the course of the recent building of a new school.  Under the watchful eye of school Chaplain, Mr Drew Ruttle, the Principal, Mr Adrian Landen and the Deputy Principal Ms Anne Marie Hewison, the chapel was also refurbished.  Students and staff were included in the consultation process.  A new altar was purchased with a grant from the Church of Ireland Priorities’ Fund, and a new piano, glassware and linens were also purchased.  A new cross was made from the wood of the old altar as was a wall mount for plaques.  Wall hangings were designed and made by students.

All of this was dedicated by the Bishop of Cork, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, at a special liturgy in the school on Saint Mark’s Day, 25th April.  The entire school assembled in the sports hall for the opening part of the Service, then the Bishop led a group of students, board members, staff and guests to the Chapel where he presided at the celebration of the Eucharist during which the new gifts were dedicated and the new altar was consecrated.  A reception followed for everyone in the board room, also in Ashton House.

The procession from the sports hall at Ashton School, Cork to the chapel for the Liturgy of Re-Dedication. Front (r-l) school chaplain, Drew Ruttle, the Bishop of Cork, Dr Paul Colton, and the Reverend David Bowles with, behind, students, staff and guests attending the Service.