Established in 1877 by the Diocese of Natal, the history of St Anne's is a rich tapestry of events that was commemorated on Women's Day - 09 August 2011. This year, the founding of the school found added celebration in the form of the Chapel Centenary.Running alongside the story of St Anne's is that of the school's Chapel - the spiritual life of the girls being revered as a fundamental element of the ethos underlying the school's success. From humble beginnings on the Hilton campus, the Chapel was dedicated on 01 November 1911 on All Saints Day and has undergone two extensions (one in 1954 and, more recently, in 2007) to cater for the growing number of girls at the school. The fixtures within the Chapel, and indeed the Chapel itself, is a result of the support of St Anne's girls - young and old, staff and friends of the St Anne's community; and honours those who have made a meaningful impact on the school in its 134 years.
Most notable among the fixtures are the windows that are an attractive feature of the building, as well as symbolic of the values that are inherent in the school, and take expression within the Chapel walls. These, too, bear tribute to important members of the St Anne's community and are donations and beautifully-designed donations, gifts and heartfelt additions to the structure.
The celebration took place in the form of a morning chapel service in the presence of Bishop Rubin. Geraldine Wildner was also present to unveil the plaque on behalf of her late husband, Karl Wildner, for the design of the Chapel extension. The Chapel was decorated with flower arrangements portraying the Annunciation, Nativity, Pentecost, Resurrection, Loaves and Fishes, Trinity and Crucifixion. The building was truly alight with prayer and song in veneration of the history of the school and its Chapel.
Photographs and article supplied August 2011.
