Brentwood College School - Brentonian Yearbook (Mill Bay, British Columbia Canada)

Page 25 text:

Page Twenty-three

Page 24 text:

Brentwood College Magazine The School Chapel IN spite of financial need and the cessation of all work for a term, progress on the college chapel has been most favourable during the last school year. No work at all was done during the Lent Term, partly owing to lack of sufficient funds, and partly because it was not considered safe working on the roof during such rainy weather, and when we bear this in mind we may be more than satisfied with all that has been accomplished since September. Except for finishing off some of the buttresses, almost all efforts have been concentrated on the roof , and this, in many respects, can be considered as one of the most difficult parts of the whole undertaking. The enormous trusses on which this section of the building rests weigh more than a ton apiece, and each one — there are ten of them altogether — was hauled into position with the aid of only a hand-run windlass. The roof, of course, was begun at the tower and gradually it was pushed on towards the other end of the building, so that before very long, rafters were up all the way along as far as the altar. While the last of these were being put up, V-joint boards, which will be part of the interior of the chapel, were being nailed on at the other end. Although this part of the work is extremely slow and requires the minutest care, a large portion of the roof has already been covered during the eight weeks of the Summer Term. Early in the Christmas Term, hired workmen covered the top of the tower with metal plate — a mixture of copper and zinc — at a cost of some $220.00, and this is the only piece of this year ' s work not done by the boys themselves. With so much of the roof completed already, it is essential not to let it deteriorate in any way during the coming season, and for this reason tenders have already been let for its completion and also for the shingling of the whole area. The type of shingle which has been selected is of asbestos, and red in colour, and although it is a little more expensive than other types, it is a much more durable shingle. This work could doubtless be done by the boys them- selves, but by the time next term comes round, the weather will have had a bad effect on those boards which are up, and as they form part of the interior, the work which has just been mentioned has to be done during the summer holidays. Other work also is to be done during this period. A chimney will be erected on the west side, near the tower ; it will be of red brick, to be stuccoed in time, and will cost approximately $100.00. Six ventilators will be built into the roof in the shape of small gables ; these will be of clouded amber glass, set in lead. Finally, twenty-one windows, ten double and one single, of the same material as the ventilators, will be inserted in the east side, filling up all gaps. This work has been made possible only by anticipating the donations during the next eighteen months. $2,000.00 will cover all costs, and for this sum, members of the Board of Governors are acting as guarantees to the bank. The work undertaken during the summer places the chapel in sore straits financially, and so the need for more funds is greater than it has ever been since the building was commenced in 1924. The total donations up to date just about Page Twenty-two

Page 26 text:

Brentwood College Magazine cover the total expenditure, but the cost of the new work will greatly alter this state of affairs. $2,000.00 is a large deficit to overcome, but in view of what has been already accomplished, the Headmaster and Board of Governors have unlimited faith in parents and friends of the college. Only with their whole- hearted and loyal support has so much progress been made, but with an ever- growing circle of friends such as we have, every effort of theirs will be needed to see the completion of this noble work. The Chapel O glorious building, thou whom we have made With careful, loving hands unmarred by lust Of riches. Thou wilt stand when we to dust Are long returned. For ever unafraid The tempest thou for many a long decade Wilt boldly face, and countless ages o ' er Thy hoary head will pass. That rugged tow ' r Will long remain ; ne ' er will thy glory fade. O what a wondrous work it is, with care And hopes profound now built — as in the past When men for love did build cathedrals fair Wherein to worship — and in prayer at last Found happiness. I pray that we may share A portion of this glory which has passed. C. P. RlGBY. Page Twenty-four