2017 / 2018

ST STEPHEN’S HOUSE NEWS 2 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 3

Principal’s welcome Contents News in brief

elcome to the National Lottery funding WCollege On the cover The College has been awarded a grant Save the dates! Newsletter for Carved from the National Lottery Heritage Lottery • Friday 15th June 2018 – College 2017/18. This stonework details Fund, following an application made in Garden Party – all alumni, their guests has been a very from a doorway support of the heritage associated with the and families are welcome. successful year for situated in the College’s former monastic site. The project volunteers. Anyone interested in taking part • Friday 14th September 2018 – College the College, with 13 North aisle of the will focus on the site’s First World War or contributing memories, photographs etc Alumni Gaudy – all alumni and guests,

candidates ordained at Petertide, 5 A tale of two students 14 Sport at the College College Church heritage, and involve local schools and should email [email protected]. and members of the 1876 Society 11 PGCE students qualifying at teachers, welcome. and 29 students successfully completing News in brief...... 3 A perfect fifth...... 18 • Saturday 15th September 2018 – graduate degrees or diplomas in Theology, A tale of two students...... 5 Non Angli, sed Anglicani...... 19 College Alumni Reunion – all alumni, Education, Oriental Studies and Byzantine Fundraising update...... 8 Fact File: Choral Institute at Oxford...... 20 their guests and families are welcome. Studies. We wish them all well as they leave Obituary: The Rt Revd Dr Geoffrey Rowell...... 9 Where are they now?...... 21 us to pursue their future work. The Benson Scholarship...... 10 The Principal’s Perspective...... 22 Staff news This year has been one in which we The late Bishop David Thomas...... 12 2016/2017 examination highlights & • The College have been able to celebrate the generosity Sport at the College...... 14 leavers’ information...... 23 is pleased to of many donors to the College Appeal, and Preparing modern ...... 16 How to support St Stephen’s House...... 24 announce the it was a particular pleasure to welcome back appointment of the Very Revd Rick Lawson (SSH 1981–3), Editor: Rachel Makari College staff list The Revd Dr With many thanks to all contributors. Principal: The Revd Canon Dr Robin Ward Fr Alex Garner & Roisin Callanan on his admission to the Vice Chancellor’s Vice Principal: The Revd Dr James Lawson James Lawson Circle of outstanding benefactors. We were St Stephen’s House Senior Tutor: Dr Mark Philpott Congratulations to… as the new 16 Marston Street Tutor: Fr ‘Akma’ Adam The 2017 Alumni Gaudy very thankful too to receive significant Oxford OX4 1JX Tutor: Mother Lucy Gardner • Fr Alex Garner (SSH 2012–15, and Vice Principal legacies during the year, most notably the Registered charity number: 309693 Librarian: Marjory Szurko sometime President of the Common Room) and Charles Marriott Director of munificent sum of £340,000 from Canon Bursar: Michèle Smith Senior Research Fellow: Dr James Whitbourn and Roisin Callanan (SSH 2014–15) who Pastoral Studies from 1st September Raymond Ross (SSH 1952-4). Without this Development, Fundraising & Alumni Relations Assistant Bursar: Caspar Doyle married at the College on 19th Aug 2017 2017. Fr James was previously Vicar support, the College could not continue to Rachel Makari IT Manager: Nick Daisley after meeting here during their ordination of St Michael and All Angels, Stoke Director of Development & Alumni Relations Development Director: Rachel Makari do its work. 01865 610489 / [email protected] SJE Arts Administrator: Sally Doyle and PGCE training. Newington Common in the Diocese of There is a lot going on at the College, SJE Arts Concert Manager: Dr Sonia Gonzalo Delgado • The Venerable Peter Eagles (SSH 1986–9), London. Fr James re-locates to Oxford Conferences & Accommodation College Accountant: Alison Parker for our current students and for our old Caspar Doyle Accounts Assistant: Janice Anderson recently retired as Archdeacon of the with his wife, Nana. members – I hope that this Newsletter will Conferences & Accommodation Manager Academic Secretary: Stephanie Sparkes Army, on his nomination as Bishop of Sodor • Jennifer Sheffield has joined the team 01865 613504 / [email protected] College Secretary: Jennie Sheffield give you a taste of that, and encourage you and Man as College & Admissions Secretary. to support us and keep in touch. SJE Arts General College Enquiries • Fr Martyn Gough (SSH 1988–90) on his • We say goodbye to the College Sally Doyle Jennie Sheffield appointment as Chaplain of the Fleet and librarian, Catherine Hilliard, who retired SJE Arts Administration College Secretary Extreme temperatures in June led to By The Revd Canon Dr Robin Ward 01865 613507 / [email protected] 01865 613500 / [email protected] Archdeacon of the Navy. this scene in the Founders’ Chapel! after six years in post. (Photograph: Dr Serenhedd James) 4 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 5

Staff news (continued) • We welcome Marjory Szurko who joins to take up the post of College Librarian. Marjory has previously held posts at both a tale of Oriel and Keble Colleges. • Dr Sonia Gonzalo Delgado, SJE Arts Concert Manager, completed her doctorate (subject: History of Art- Musicology at the Universidad de two students Zaragoza. Title: Programming Early Iberian Keyboard Music. From Wanda Established in 1876, the core mission of St Prior to SSH… Landowska to Santiago Kastner). Stephen’s House is to train priests in the EM: Having completed a PhD in History at the University of Sydney, I • Dr James Whitbourn takes up the post of Anglican tradition of the . was working doing capacity building at a university in Cambodia when Senior Research Fellow. Within the role, 2 I decided that I wanted to know more about education and particularly However, since 2003, the College has he will develop the College’s activities in welcomed a range of other students, pursuing higher education. residential education for external students, post-graduate qualifications across subjects MW: Before training for ordained ministry, I taught Mathematics, partnering international universities including theology, philosophy and teaching. mainly to GCSE and A level students who had been predicted low/ and music conservatories as well as working Here, two recent leavers share their different poor grades in their mock examinations. My job was to enable them with Oxford University’s Department for Summer Programmes 2017 Legacy thanks experiences of life at St Stephen’s House, and and bring out the very best in their abilities so that they could get Continuing Education. He will also take SSH hosted several successful residential The College gives thanks for the great how it measured up to their expectations. better grades at their final GCSE/ A Level exams and proceed to on wider responsibilities for the College’s academic courses in 2017, including new generosity of benefactors who have supported college or university. I loved my job. I sense that equipping, enabling student accommodation and facilities. programmes in Choral Singing and Choral SSH through bequests in their wills over the and encouraging people is my vocation. I am married and we have a • August saw the departure of Fr Mark Composing offered by Oxford University’s last year. In total over £355,000 was gifted to 10-year-old daughter. Clavier, who has taken up the position Department for Continuing Education. The the College via legacy gifts in the last twelve Name: Elizabeth Miller of new Residentiary Canon at Brecon College also welcomed for the first time the months. From: Sydney, Australia Why SSH? Cathedral. We wish him the very best in Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge, who were Course: MSc Education EM: I was allocated to SSH by the University along with a large his new role. in residence for a weekend in August, and (Higher Education) number of other MSc Education students. All my course teaching and • Many of you will already be aware of students from Xi’an Jiaotong and Donghua learning was run entirely in the Department, rather than the College. the death of the late Bishop David Universities, two of China’s most prestigious MW: I knew people who had studied at SSH including Bishop Martin Thomas, SSH 1964–7; Vice Principal universities. [Warner] my sponsoring bishop. I made a direct application to the College. 1975–9; Principal 1982–7, who died on We have continued our partnership with SSH students help receive refugee children from Calais 11th May 2017. Westminster Choir College, Princeton, as they What did you know about SSH before you arrived? • It was also a great loss to the College to completed their fifth annual Choral Institute Refuge welcome work EM: Like many of the Department of Education students here, I had learn of the death of Bishop Geoffrey at Oxford and have enjoyed our continuing Students from the College joined Fr Tim Pike at never heard of St Stephen’s House. I had some trepidation about Name: Martha Weatherill Rowell, who died on 22th June at St relationship with the Oxford Centre for Animal St. Michael’s Croydon to help receive refugee living in a religious college and one that took only a small number of From: Eastbourne, UK Wilfred’s Hospice, Chichester. Ethics, which held its fourth annual summer children from Calais arriving at the Home students. Course: Durham Common • Finally, it is with sadness that we report the school at the College in July. Office immigration centre at Lunar House. MW: I was very much aware of the college’s ethos with regards to Awards in Theology, death of Richard Doyle, a long-time friend its discipline to the daily offices and the daily Mass. I had also been Ministry and Mission

and supporter of the College and SJE Arts. Please do share any alumni news with us for inclusion in future issues – [email protected] Elizabeth Miller photograph: © 2016 Roo Waters informed that no college did Solemn Mass like SSH. 6 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 7

Elizabeth: A day in the life How did your perceptions of the One of the highlights of the term is the black tie dinner which I would College measure up to the reality attend with my family – my daughter likes dressing up. I also found all 5:45 am: Rowing practice on the river. Race 7.00 pm: Dinner at the college was one of of life here? the staff very helpful and supportive. back to SSH for a (well deserved) cooked the social highlights of my day. One of the best EM: The college was far livelier than I breakfast. things about a college the size of SSH is that imagined, it was very welcoming, and had Worst aspect? 9.00 am: I didn’t buy a bike so it was a 30 you never have to worry if you’ll know anyone a good balance of ordinands and other EM: Getting to Trinity term and realising that I could have made more minute walk to the department. Classes were in the dining hall. Thursday night formal dinners students. It was more social than I had of time here. I was hesitant at first about getting involved in the social three days a week and started at 9:30. were fantastic: the food was great, everyone expected (which was excellent!) and very life of the college and so when spring arrived and we spent glorious 11.00 am: Morning tea at The Department dressed up for the evening, and the fun supportive. Sunday afternoons sitting in the cloister gardens I was already nostalgic of Education – also a social place. continued afterwards in the Common Room. MW: I was not disappointed, for me, about my limited time here and wishing I had more than a year. 1.00 pm: Back to SSH for lunch. I opted for 8.00 pm: While some evenings were spent worshipping God in the beauty of holiness MW: I struggled a little with my academics because I had no previous college lunches several times a week. doing yet more reading, others were more is the core of my Christian discipleship theological background. However, with the support of the academic 3.00 pm: When they say you’re ‘reading relaxed (depending on how close essay and vocation and I had the privilege and staff, I gained confidence in my studies. Although optional, I am for a degree’ at Oxford, they’re not joking. deadlines were…) Oxford is full of fantastic opportunity to share in this worship. Being currently furthering my studies to CA BA as part of my IME Phase 2. Afternoons were spent doing the required pubs, live music and plays, and it’s not hard formed into the discipline of the office and reading for my classes and doing reading to corral friends from the college or my Mass are gifts that I hope will see me through What did you do in your spare time whilst at SSH? and research for assessments. course into one for the night. all of ministry. EM: I rowed and rowed some more. I was also the course representative for my stream of the MSc. Beyond that I spent a lot of How would you describe the ethos of St Stephen’s time exploring Oxford and Britain. House? MW: During my spare time, I had meals and EM: The size of the college – which I thought would be a drawback drinks with other colleagues, visited other Martha: A day in the life – was perfect for getting to know everyone and creating close bonds. Oxford colleges and Chapels, and went We all joke about being part of the ‘Staggers family’ but that’s how it sightseeing with my family. 7.00 am: Quiet prayer. 5.00 pm: Work on essays. felt. I met some incredibly smart and interesting people here, but that’s 7.30 am: Morning Prayer. Which I had an 6.00 pm–6.30 pm: Evensong. Which I balanced with a fondness for food, drink, and banter. What advice would you give to a opportunity to officiate as part of my training. also had an opportunity to officiate as part MW: Pray Hard, Work Hard and Play Hard! prospective student considering 8.00 am: Daily Mass. of my training. Living in a cathedral city, SSH? 8.30 am: Breakfast (families are welcome). I am often reminded of Staggers when I Best aspect of your time at SSH? EM: You really will get out what you put in. 9.00 am–1.00 pm: Lectures (at SSH). am at the Cathedral’s Evensong – same EM: Rowing. Having never rowed but believing it was a ‘very Oxford’ Don’t be put off by the different courses and 1.00 pm: Very nice lunch provided by the quality. thing to do, a few of us went to the rowing trials thinking it would be departments people are involved in – as soon kitchen staff. Families welcome. 6.30 pm–7.00 pm: Drinks in Common a laugh and a good story to tell. I made some amazing friends among as you throw yourself into college life you’ll 1.15 pm: Group Placement (at primary Room (all welcome). the ordinands, PGCEs, and other independent students and we soon realise those differences are easily traversed schools in Oxford with a clear focus on our 7.00 pm–9.00 pm: Formal Dinner became enthusiastic in the way that only novices can. I’m not sure and in fact, make for an incredibly rewarding commitment to the catholic mission and a with family, friends and colleagues. An everyone else enjoyed us comparing blisters at the dining table (sorry!) experience. Try out different extra-curricular sense of camaraderie). opportunity to dress up and relax after a very but we loved it. Rowing also gave us the chance to interact with other activities, go to lots of formal dinners and 3.00 pm: Rest/Study. busy week. colleges and provided many excuses for celebrating our successes (or invite your friends, and make sure you go to at 4.00 pm: Time with family and friends 10.00 pm: Work on essays. otherwise…) least one ball while you’re in Oxford. in Moberly Close gardens (the College’s 11.00 pm: Bed after locking up and MW: Living in a community where we pray together, eat together and MW: No hard sell – just look for where God accommodation for students living with ensuring that the college was secure at night, work together. I also loved the formal dinners and the social gatherings. is. I think that you will find God at Staggers. partners/families). very useful training in my current curacy. 8 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 9

Obituary The Rt Revd Dr Geoffrey Rowell

ith the death of Bishop Geoffrey on the morning of Trinity Fundraising Update WSunday 2017 after a short illness, St Stephen’s House lost not only one who had served on its House Council since1986 (Chairman from 2004–2013), but one whose faith as an Anglican Catholic, his scholarship, ecumenical contacts and pastoral concern for others did NEW: Parish Giving Initiative event much to support the work of the College. As many of you will know, the College’s campaign to establish Earlier this year, the Dean of It was during his long ministry as Chaplain of Keble College that an endowment fund remains the core fundraising priority and Westminster, the Very Revd Bishop Geoffrey joined the House Council, bringing a useful link with we continue to work towards our ultimate goal of £2.5 million. John Hall, hosted an event at the University Faculty of Theology. He later became Chairman of the This year we are launching a new initiative to encourage Westminster Abbey in support Governors of Pusey House, further strengthening the links between the parish giving. We are asking all ordained alumni, their of the College, providing us two institutions, though perhaps not as closely as he would have wished. parishioners, churchwardens and PCC members, to consider with an opportunity to thank The Dean of Westminster addressing the A happy feature of Council meetings, especially after his raising funds for the College’s Endowment Fund within their the College’s major donors, as College’s guests in Westminster Abbey appointment as Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, was Bishop Geoffrey’s parishes. This might be through a regular annual collection, or well as families of some of the legators that have played such a key part suggestions as to who might provide professional help to the College; a by raising the £1,876 to join the College’s society for all alumni in philanthropic giving over the last year or so. It was also a chance for property developer or architect. He had been in conversation with just and friends, The 1876 Society. us to further knowledge and awareness of the College amongst future such a person at an airport. Networking for Bishop Geoffrey was not so Securing an endowment is vital to the long-term future of potential supporters, and we were joined by guests from across the much for his own self-interest but to enable others be more effective in the College, and will ensure the core focus of teaching and world, including those from the US, Australia and Armenia. their ministry. He also brought the College ecumenical links, especially learning here at St Stephen’s House is maintained in perpetuity. with the various orthodox Churches with which he had such close links. We do hope you will consider taking on the challenge! Legacy giving campaign The hundreds who packed into Chichester Cathedral for his The vocational work undertaken by the vast majority of our alumni Funeral Requiem were driven there not just to pay tribute to a scholar means that legacy giving is often the most significant way in which Bishop, but to commend to God one whom they regarded as a friend. The 1876 Society many old members are able to support St Stephen’s House, and indeed Bishop Geoffrey showed great kindness and courtesy towards others. One year on from its launch, this initiative it is one of the College’s largest sources of philanthropic income. His genial personality enabled him to be a gifted pastor. As chair of the has been well supported, with over 50 This year we are launching a new legacy campaign to raise House Council, even the more ‘truculent’ members were listened to donors joining the Society, many at the £10 1876 awareness of the impact that this type of philanthropy has on the with interest and usually good humour! per month membership rate. This represents Society College and its ability to continue in its work. Please do take a moment Bishop Geoffrey stood firm in his belief that the Anglican a significant increase in the number of to consider whether this is something you might be able to support. Communion was part of the Catholic Church. His scholarship, people giving regularly to the College and the cumulative impact We do appreciate that your Will is an entirely private matter, but ecumenical contacts and his endless travelling meant that the air he of this type of regular giving is extremely valuable. We are grateful it is extremely helpful if you feel able to share any plans to make a breathed was that of the universal Church. He worked tirelessly for to those who have joined and supported The 1876 Society. Please bequest to the College. It will also help us to invite you to join us for the reunion of that church, in faith, life and sacramental communion. do consider joining if you have not already done so. To join: a small lunch, hosted by The Principal, for all legacy donors later in His example has much to offer both those preparing for ordination and [email protected] the year. those ordained.

For more information relating to our fundraising efforts, please email [email protected] Bishop Geoffrey Rowell, oil on canvas, by Alex Debenham, 2017 By Bishop Alan Chesters, Chairman of the House Council 1992–2003 10 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 11

y blank stare was probably answer enough for The Principal when This still left a noticeable shortfall in my living expenses, but after a Mhe asked me whether I had heard of the Benson Scholarship. It couple of successful grant applications to other charitable bodies I had The Benson was May 2016, and we were sitting in the familiar surroundings of the made up the required amount and was ready to return to Oxford as a chapel at Pusey House where I had been living and working as a chapel student once more. Scholarship intern for the previous nine months, though it had been 18 months since The PGDip is a curious beast, in that it is classified as a I had begun my vocational journey in earnest and taken a career break postgraduate course but is taught alongside the undergraduate The Fellowship of St John (UK) Trust Association from legal London. I had arranged this meeting with Fr Robin because theology degree, with PGDip and FHS students attending the same administers the charities once associated with I had recently been informed that my sponsoring diocese would not lectures and tutorials and sitting the same three-hour exam papers the Cowley Fathers, the monastic order that send me to a Bishops’ Advisory Panel until after that summer, meaning in Trinity Term. Having previously studied Jurisprudence as an established the site on which the College now sits. that I would be unable to commence ordination training until at least undergraduate at Magdalen College, I was accustomed to this method The Trust has a lively and proactive commitment September 2017. This left me wondering how I could occupy my time of teaching, though in the intervening years I had forgotten just how to a wide variety of charitable works, particularly after Pusey House in a way that added some new and useful experience intense it is! Over the course of the year I read for three papers – Old in education. Here at St Stephen’s House, the whilst justifying putting my legal career on hold for a third year. I felt Testament, the Gospels, and Patristics – and attended three tutorials Trust funds the Benson Scholarship, which enables rather stuck, and indeed was left considering whether it was wise for me per fortnight in the first two terms, writing essays and taking copious

Me beside the River Danube in Budapest on this year’s ordination candidates in need of special funding to to continue exploring my vocation to priesthood at this point in my life. notes as I went. Alongside this I attended language classes in New Exeter College choir tour, with Buda Castle in the pursue their studies. This year’s Benson Scholar, It was then that Fr Robin approached me with one final option. He Testament Greek three days a week, carried on my work at Pusey background. For the tour we visited and sang concerts in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest between 27 June Sam Maginnis, writes about his experiences… explained the purpose of the Benson Scholarship; to enable unfunded House in the role of Assistant Sacristan, and fulfilled a long-held and 5 July students who intended to offer themselves ambition by winning a choral bursary with Exeter College choir. It for ordination the opportunity to undertake really was the Oxford undergraduate experience all over again – lots full-time study, and suggested that I would be of reading and writing and arguing, balanced with extracurricular fun a suitable candidate. and some good dinners to boot. And within all of that I had the chance I leapt at the chance – my academic to engage critically and on a deep level with the Scriptures and the interest in Christian theology had been fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, helping me towards a growing steadily since I had returned to greater understanding and appreciation of my own beliefs and those of faith and I knew this could open up further the wider Church. interesting avenues to me even if I were not I am pleased to say that I gained a Distinction overall in my exams eventually recommended for training. We for the PGDip and have been accepted onto Oxford’s Master in agreed that I should apply for the Postgraduate Theology (MTh) programme, which will form the academic part of my Diploma (PGDip) in Theology at Oxford, a priestly formation at the College over the next two years. one-year foundation course designed for non- Having begun my vocational journey with no formal theological theology graduates to enable them to go on to qualifications, advanced scholarship will now form an integral part of postgraduate study, with the intention that the my training and I hope of my future ministry. This would have been Benson Scholarship would cover my course impossible for me without the Benson Scholarship, and in giving fees if I was accepted. My nomination was particular thanks to the Fellowship of St John (UK) Trust Association for successful, and I was pleased to learn from their support I am also mindful of all those individuals and organisations Fr Robin that not only would the scholarship who have given generously over the years for the encouragement of cover my course fees but the trustees had vocations and the continuing life and mission of the Church of England. Ascot Priory where the Pusey House community held Servers and clergy from Pusey House at the pub after their Lent retreat in March this year. This is the Gospel decided to award me some money towards our 2017 Corpus Christi procession from Pusey to St Procession at Sunday High Mass, with me acting as maintenance costs as well. By Sam Maginnis Barnabas’ Church in Jericho thurifer (incense-bearer) 12 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 13

first met David when we were students He and Rosemary, together with their children Felicity and John, a robust sense of humour and not least the absurd! He was never Itogether at the House. We overlapped by just not to mention their dog Cleo – much loved and spoilt by successive happier than relaxing with his pipe and a gin and tonic. one year before I went on to be ordained in students – moved into number nineteen Norham Gardens, the then I shall ever remain indebted to him, and Rosemary and their family 1965 and he in 1967. (David had been at Keble site of the College. At that stage we were but three houses on either as well, for having been prepared to move from Wales to Oxford given where he had taken Mods and Greats but rather side of the road with the somewhat tunnel like chapel attached to the precarious circumstances of the time. He was a hugely supportive more importantly had come under the influence number seventeen. Staff and students lived very much cheek by jowl. colleague who became a close friend. His wise advice and pastoral of Austin Farrer the then Warden.) I remember Both David and Rosemary and family seemed to settle in quickly to care and sensitivity not only for students but also for myself as Principal David well, though at that time not particularly their new situation and circumstances and brought a lovely sense of made possible what otherwise might have been impossible. close friends, nevertheless I recognised in him ‘family’ to the House as a whole and where students were always During David’s time as Vice Principal, his father, Bishop Jack Thomas The late a real sense of vocation and deep spirituality welcome into their home. (then Bishop of Swansea and Brecon) came to preach at the House. His as well as someone with real academic gifts. David’s arrival undoubtedly brought in particular a renewed theme from the Epistle to the Hebrews was on Jesus Christ ‘the great He studied for the Theology Schools when sense of academic rigour and seriousness – though he himself high of our profession’. He focussed on two phrases in relation a student, and like me who at that time was would never admit it. He was highly regarded by students and his to Jesus – ‘faithfulness to God’ and ‘merciful to man’. I have never Bishop completing my D.Phil, had also the whole teaching of the Old Testament, and in particular to those studying forgotten that sermon and if there was a fitting epitaph for David as gamut of General Ordination Examination (GOE) also for the Schools, not only inspired students but brought about a priest, pastor, bishop and friend, I would unfailingly suggest those two examinations to complete before ordination. substantial raising of standards. Together with his keen pastoral sense phrases –‘faithful to God’ and ‘merciful to all’. May he rest in peace. David He seemed to get on well with each and every and obvious but unstated spiritual depth, once again applications student with his friendly personality and good began to rise and slowly we managed to climb out of the opprobrium By Bishop David Hope sense of humour. At that time Derek Allen had in which the House had been cast by many, only recently been appointed Principal and the not least bishops and Diocesan Directors of Thomas House was still very much ordered in the quasi Ordinands at the time. monastic way that Arthur Couratin had left it, I In matters of discipline he had a lightness gather too that talking recently with David’s wife, Rosemary, to whom he of touch but would never flinch from the was engaged, that she had to gain permission from Derek before visiting necessary action. This was well illustrated – such were the times! when on one weekend night a party in a It was just one year following my own very reluctant appointment student’s room adjoining their rooms was as Principal of St Stephen’s House in 1974 (I had just completed four beginning to get rather out of hand to the “…If there was a fitting years in my first parish as Incumbent – some of the happiest days of my extent that he had to go and tell them to epitaph for David as priest, entire ordained life) that John Halliburton, the then Vice Principal, was close down the noise. His first approach was appointed Principal of Chichester Theological College. I had little hesitation ignored, his second appearance in his pyjamas pastor, bishop and friend, in identifying the person I most wanted as Vice Principal. The ‘troubles’ at was rather more severe – one-way tickets the House at that time are well known – but equally with the fall in student even being threatened! The next morning I would unfailingly suggest numbers and the slow rate of applications together with the somewhat dire it was put round that the Vice Principal had financial straights of the House at that stage I had begun to wonder whether made an appearance in matching Rupert Bear those two phrases – ‘faithful to we could survive. I would not have blamed him if on my approach to him pyjamas and slippers! to become Vice Principal with all the challenges and uncertainties he had A person of huge integrity, his genial God’ and ‘merciful to all’. refused my approach and gone on to a parish which he was really keen to personality made him popular with students do. I had the deepest sympathy with him in this but managed to persuade and had that much needed quality in David enjoying the end of term Christmas entertainment and Dinner in 1982; his first year as Principal May he rest in peace.” him of the House’s greater need of him at that stage. Thankfully he agreed. exercising a ministry in such a context – 14 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 15

Polo PGCE (Physics) student Naomi Sutton represented the University in a match sport SSH rowers with fellow team ‘Trousers with a crease you could cut your finger on’ – PGCE student Naomi members from St Benet’s Hall Sam Aldred’s croquet cuppers team take to the lawns Sutton in the saddle against Cambridge as part of the AT THE COLLEGE University’s Beginners team in March, having first ridden a horse just four A surge of sporting enthusiasm at the College has Team captain Sam Aldred teamed up with fellow first year ordinand The second round took the intrepid Staggers team to far-flung twenty minutes, with years before. led to the creation of a new rowing team and croquet student Tom Crowley to play the first round. It was clear from the Lady Margaret Hall (LMH). It was another sunny afternoon and the Crowley barely off the squad. Here the croquet team captain, Sam Aldred, off that Aldred and Crowley were the superior pair, steadily gaining Hammers’ international fan-base (visiting academic Prof. Peter Kraus) starting line by the reports on progress this year. ground on their hapless opponents. The victory was short and sweet, was out in full. Aldred and Crowley were once again the first to take up time that the LMH pair had completed the course. with the Staggers pair finishing a full three hoops ahead of Christ mallets against the foe. It was clear from the off that they were facing Box and Tuck faired a little better, displaying again their talent he St Stephen’s House Croquet Team, known to their legions of Church, following which Crowley ran to a nearby bench to complete an a highly-trained croquet-playing machine. Gone were the pleasantries for team work, but despite a couple of Staggers’ surges, the LMH fans as ‘The Hammers of Heretics’, burst onto the sporting scene overdue essay on pre-Nicene Trinitarian thought. and affable leniency second pair continued to pull ahead. Ultimately the talent and practice T “Behold, I give unto you power to tread in Trinity term 2017 and enjoyed a successful, if short, run tearing up The second round was more of a nail-biter. The other Staggers regarding the rule book put-in by the LMH team trumped the superior grooming and willing on serpents and scorpions, and over all the lawns across Oxford. pair was formed of Billy Hamilton-Box, another first year ordinand, and that had characterised amateurishness displayed by the Hammers. power of the enemy, and nothing shall by The first round of the competition saw The Hammers drawn against Sophy Tuck, an independent student studying early Church heresy. the first round. The Despite being the smallest of the teams competing in Cuppers, and any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 Christ Church, one of the University’s great croqueting colleges. The Despite facing a highly competent Christ Church pair, Box and Tuck LMH pair won the toss despite having indulged in virtually no practice, St Stephen’s House Cuppers format requires the teams to play two matches per round, played excellently as a team and won the victory they so richly deserved. and began by blocking the opening hoop, a dastardly play that set the made a clear impression on this year’s competition. The Hammers of usually split across the colleges, but given the lack of facilities at Having smashed through the first round of the competition, The tone for the rest of the afternoon. In a really quite impressive display Heretics tore up the Dean’s garden at Christ Church, leaving their Staggers, The Hammers made their way one glorious early summer Hammers began their preparation for the next phase by ensuring of technical skill, Aldred succeeded in bashing the offending ball out opponents marvelling at their skill, style, and manners. Whilst their run afternoon to ‘The House’, seeking to dispatch their enemy in one fell that their trousers had a crease you could cut your finger on, and of the way and placing his own ball in its place. It was then that things for this season ended in the grounds of LMH, the Hammers left the swoop. The setting for this clash of croquet titans could not have been determining the perfect amount of gin to consume before a match. A began to go downhill. The LMH captain actually managed to chip his field with the sense of a job well done, and if there had been a prize finer; the teams met on the Dean of Christ Church’s personal lawns, little light stretching was undertaken in a concession to the hard-nosed ball over Aldred’s and through the hoop, before returning to knock for the Best Dressed Team, then Staggers would have taken home the affording splendid views of the cathedral and out across the meadow. sporting culture that we inhabit today. his opponent’s ball into an adjacent flowerbed. The match took about trophy. 16 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 17

hen I manage to catch up with Fr James Lawson he apologises is that we can become so compulsively busy that all we have left to Wfor having missed the original time we had arranged to speak. communicate is our own exhaustion.” He explains that he is running late because he was comforting a “And where better to discover a life hid with Christ in God than at parishioner; a mother whose son was shot four times as he tried to a place like SSH where Father Ken himself trained for the priesthood? PREPARING reach the refuge of Father James’s vicarage, pursued by a gunman It’s a place where ordinands receive a disciplined formation that allows working for a local dealer. Thankfully, he survived and his mother was them to chance to learn to pray deeply. The practices of silence and at Mass that morning. recollection that Many of the priests trained at St Stephen’s Father Ken refers MODERN House work in parishes like the one in which to are an essential Father James served in Hackney. They seem “One of the most serious part of the Tractarian a world away from the peace of the former tradition of the monastic buildings in which they received dangers confronting those House.” their formation. who minister in the inner city For Father James PRIESTS So how on earth does training at a place this spiritual discipline like St Stephen’s House prepare someone for is that their lives come to be can teach priests the reality of the inner city? built on frenzy and compulsive trained at SSH more Contemplatives in than just resilience. I asked Father James, the College’s new Vice busyness. This usually leads “Our programme the inner-city Principal and Charles Marriott Director of must be: the greatest Pastoral Studies… to lack of focus, a tendency possible radiance in to accumulate more and more the world by virtue of He answered: “I remember going to a vigil the closest possible outside the mosque in Finsbury Park the things, a collapse of reflection, following of Christ. night after the attack there last summer. Evelyn Underhill The local priest had been busy all day and the cultivation of a wrote that ‘God is dealing with a traumatized community and personal culture of obligatory the interesting thing with visiting politicians and with the media. about religion, and I hadn’t seen him since my appointment tiredness.” people are hungry had been announced. When I asked him The late Revd Ken Leech for God. But only a how he was doing, I was surprised when he priest whose life is congratulated me and said how thankful he (SSH 1962) soaked in prayer and was for the formation that he had received at sacrifice, and love SSH, and how it prepared him to cope with can, by his own spirit days like the one he’d just had. of adoring worship, help us to apprehend Him.’ This worship is the

Fr James Lawson with his wife, Nana Father James explained. “Father Ken Leech used to teach that focus of our life together at St Stephen’s House, and this spirit is what any authentic priesthood has to come from an inner core of silence, we seek to communicate and to radiate.” a life hid with Christ in God. Only those who are at home with Thankfully, this is what SSH offers its ordinands, and will continue silence and darkness will be able to survive in, and minister to, the to do so with renewed vigour with the arrival of Father James as the confusion and violence of the modern world. Otherwise, the danger College’s new Vice Principal. 18 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 19

APerfect Fifth Barbican Piano Trio There is celebration in the air at SJE Arts as the So, why make this the year to come along to one College’s music and arts venue launches the fifth of our concerts? season of its flagship International Piano Series. SJE Arts’ Sally Doyle, gives us three reasons to do just that… With more than forty successful performances in the series so far, and an ever-growing reputation, surely 1. Our Piano – a superb Steinway D concert grand, in the prime good reason to let fly a cork or two… of its life and benefiting from the superb acoustic in the church. 2. Variety – this year sees the most variety we have ever had nd that’s exactly what we plan to do! Metaphorically at in the Series. There’s something for everyone: piano with string least, as world-leading Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt …A orchestra, the violin, cello, piano combination of The Barbican opens the Series in January with a programme of Bach, swiftly followed Piano Trio, Imogen Cooper, plus Angela Hewitt’s performance is by some of the most interesting and talented pianists alive today. particularly special, being just one of just a handful of UK concerts Non Angli, sed Anglicani The SJE Arts International Piano Series has become a well-known she is performing this year. feature in the Oxford musical calendar, helping to attract a total of A Semester at the Venerable English College, Rome around 15,000 people to the venue since its launch in 2013. 3. Alumni discount – if that isn’t enough, we offer all College Highlights of this year’s programme include a snap-shot of the alumni a discount of 10% on International Piano Series concerts. t is now almost a year since I went, along with my fellow ordinand warmly welcomed throughout our time, not least also at the Anglican eccentric French composer Erik Satie in February, with music and Just quote ALUMNI when booking. IScott Coleman, to the Venerable English College in Rome, but I Centre, whose weekly Eucharist was the perfect place to meet Anglican extracts from his diaries; multi-talented Stephen Hough in March, and in have no doubt the experience will stay with us both for much, much clergy and pilgrims. It was also a joy to be involved with pastoral April, the wonderfully charismatic Spanish pianist, Joaquín Achúcarro. longer. We began our Italian adventures by spending a month studying placements – I, for one, taught English to refugees on the outskirts of Sponsor a concert! the lingo in Tuscany, in San Giovanni in Valdarno. Suffice to say, our the city. Why not make an occasion of your visit and pick proximity to Florence, Siena and numerous other towns was fully In our free time, we visited the innumerable churches, galleries and your favourite performer to sponsor? exploited! In September, we then returned to the English College (or museums the Eternal City has to offer, not to mention the odd trattoria We offer packages that can be tailored to suit, including: ‘VEC’, as it is known) to join returning seminarians. or bar here – just to keep up appearances, naturally. On free weekends, • Front row tickets for you & friends It is difficult to overstate the historical significance of the English we could also visit the stunning Villa Palazzola, the seminary’s summer • Complimentary drinks during the interval College: founded as a hospice for medieval pilgrims, it has been outpost (its garden balconies overlook Castel Gandolfo). • The possibility of hosting your own private pre-concert party in the seminary in Rome for England and Wales since Pope Gregory Oh, and for 50th anniversary celebrations of the Anglican Centre, our beautiful cloister XIII’s bull in 1579. The College boasts no fewer than 44 martyrs, we met the Pope (twice), along with the , and Come along and see for yourselves! Alumni and friends are and there remains a pride in this witness to the present day. Scott more princes, primates and plenipotentiaries than the Court Circular. assured of a warm welcome at all our Series concerts; just let us and I were privileged to attend a rich variety of lectures at the All in all, then, not a bad way to spend one’s final term. know to expect you. To enquire about sponsorship, please email Angelicum, and were equally encouraged to take part fully in the [email protected] life of the College, from the sacristy to the refectory. We were The Revd Nick Walters Angela Hewitt Joaquín Achúcarro 20 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 21

– Fact File – Where are Choral they now? Institute In each issue, we catch up with an alumnus to find out what they have gone on to do after leaving the College, and their memories of studying here. at Oxford that there was so much time for Name: Peter Eagles conversation, discourse, social life. My three years were Location Cathedral, another day a Age: 58 deeply fulfilling, and the Holy Week Retreat in my first year was St Stephen’s House is the home of the Choral session on the music of Studies undertaken at SSH: Ordination Training, Oxford decisive in my formation as a priest. There are contemporaries whom Institute’s International Summer Programme, Arvo Pärt. Before lunch Theology Degree, Oxford Cert. in Theology I see regularly, others whom I don’t see but remember often. We offered in collaboration with SSH, by there is a seminar in gathered for a 25-year reunion in 2014, and again as a smaller group in Year of graduation: 1989 Westminster Choir College, Princeton. Gregorian Chant to aid 2015 for the anniversary of priesthood. the understanding of Undergraduate degree / other studies: Modern Key contacts so much of Western Languages (German and Russian), The School of Slavonic Studies Are there any particularly memorable experiences The Co-Directors are the College’s Senior music. A plenary lecture and King’s College, London from your time at the College? Research Fellow and music faculty member might follow, before Your current role: I have just completed my career as a Chaplain Opening the batting against Grendon prison and (less dauntingly) Dr James Whitbourn, and Westminster the ever-popular tea – in the British Army, which has taken me to many different places in against Cuddesdon and Oscott. Snatching defeat from the jaws of Choir College’s Senior Professor of Choral a time to understand twenty-five years, with time spent in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Balkans victory in the theological college Rugby Sevens at Oak Hill. The Conducting, Dr James Jordan. what it means to be and elsewhere. I am now preparing to move to the Isle of Man to occasional bizarre liturgical experience: listening at Evening Prayer on British. Then the daily engage in a new sphere of ministry as Bishop of Sodor and Man. 23rd February one year to ‘the account of the Smyrtyrdom of Molycarp About/purpose dose of ‘podium of Parna’ as the sherry wrought its magic… The Choral Institute is course of study for time’ – a chance for Describe a typical day in the Army choral conductors who come work with the the conductor to I’m not sure there was a typical day! A day in Afghanistan might begin Where do you see the College’s future? Institute’s choir-in-residence, the Grammy- make music with with a helicopter flight at 3am, there would be as much activity at Dedicated to the Deacon and Protomartyr, it will continue to form nominated chamber choir Westminster a group of singers night as in daytime, and days merged into each other, delineated by people for service and witness, strengthening them with the wonderful Williamson Voices, and to take instruction of extraordinary talent and generosity, and the Choral Institute. The events rather than by time. Thus it was so important to have a liturgical gifts of catholic tradition. Located in East Oxford, it can offer a from the two Directors and from other tutors, to learn what it means to be a human being. Institute uses every available bed (and more) Sunday, even if that actually turned out to be Tuesday because that was compelling vision of residential training that both emphasises the link mostly drawn from Oxford’s Faculty of Music There is much to talk about this at supper but for almost two weeks and the College is the time when soldiers were available. The last few years in the Army to academic excellence and offers every opportunity for contextual and Westminster Choir College. conversation breaks in time for more chant filled with choral song. SSH is the only Headquarters as a Senior Chaplain and Archdeacon have been more experience. This gives it a potentially unique role in the Church of rehearsal. As sun sets, every seat in house college in Oxford with two such beautiful measured; recruiting, training, and deploying clergy, caring for them, England which we can articulate courageously and clearly. A day in the life of a Choral chapel is filled for Compline. singing acoustics. Few even have one that managing their careers and sustaining their vocations. Institute Conductor is as fine. It is a week of intense study Parting thoughts? Breakfast starts the day and already the How does Choral Institute work which enhances and permanently changes Could you tell us about your time at SSH? There has to be a word of thanks to the many people with whom I conversation is unexpectedly lively. Then the with SSH? lives. I was part of a very large intake in 1986, with a great breadth of have been privileged to share the life of St Stephen’s House as part of first academic seminar begins. One day it might St Stephen’s House is the summer home of individual personal experience. It was more gentle than I had our continuing Christian pilgrimage. Formation exercises its influence be a workshop with the boys of Christ Church the Williamson Voices and the only home of * www.rider.edu/oxford anticipated: the structure of chapel and lectures was set, but around for the rest of our lives. 22 St Stephen’s House News 2017/2018 2017/2018 St Stephen’s House News 23

2016/17 EXAMINATION HIGHLIGHTS & LEAVERS’ INFORMATION

Examination highlights • Sam Maginnis (Returning to SSH to Ordinand Leavers 2017 • Raveena Balani • Manal Bougazzoul (Distinction in train for ordination (MTh)) The following SSH leavers were ordained • Xi Cao e the f MSc Education) MSt in Theology Deacon this year, listed alongside their • Sanskruti Ghosalkar • Christopher Dingwall-Jones (First in • Nathan Betz (Planning to go on to new title parishes. • Tara Paxman the Honour School of Theology and further study) • Nick Archer (Eastbourne St Saviour • Davina Schembri Principal’s Perspective Religion) MPhil in Theology and St Peter, Chichester) • Pooja Sharma • Monika Doering (First in the Common • Isaac Soon (Planning to go on to • Monika Doering (Benefice of West MSc in Learning / hen theological colleges were first when the University first allowed the then to their research topics, rather than to a fixed Awards BA in Theology, Ministry & further study) Barnsley, Leeds) Teaching (p/t) Wfounded in the Church of England in the four Anglican theological colleges to admit a pedagogic scheme. It remains to be seen Mission) MSt in Late Antique and • Samuel Gibson (St Alphege, Solihull, • Giles Delaney 19th century, it was assumed that the academic few students each year and teach them for how this will bed down as appropriate for • Samuel Gibson (Distinction in the Byzantine Studies Birmingham) • Anna Foster • Nathalie Gier • Anna McGarry side of forming candidates for ordination the Honour School of Theology. In terms of ordinands – the Faculty here remains a world MTh) • Nicholas Johnson (St Mark with • (Emily) Sophy Tuck • James Randall would be dealt with in the Universities, and the curriculum, not much has changed in the class one, but it may be that expertise in some • Steven Martin (First in the BTh, Christchurch, Glodwick, Manchester) January 2017) MSc in Education • Philip Kennedy (St Michael and All • Sheila Tandon that the colleges needed to be places of retreat course since the Second World War, although core aspects of Christian theology, especially • Anna McGarry (Distinction MSc in • Manal Bougazzoul (Distinction) Angels with St James, Croydon, • Sue Tudge and spiritual formation. However, once the in common with other Oxford courses the the Old Testament and Patristics, atrophies Learning /Teaching (P/T), November • Dominik Joerg (Passed September Southwark) Universities began to give up their Anglican workload, particularly in language learning, has through want of support as undergraduates 2016) 2017) • William Levanway (All Saints Fulham, PGCE Leavers 2016 identity, a second generation of colleges, diminished a bit. But from this year a radically opt to continue work on Buddhism or Islam • Samuel Maginnis (Distinction in the • Divya Joseph (Passed September London) Finalised after newsletter was published among which was St Stephen’s House, new course has been introduced, intended that matches their ‘A’ level studies. PGDip in Theology) 2017) • Mark Mawhinney (Seaham (St Mary • Robert Macdonald (Mathematics) consciously located themselves in Oxford, so to make Theology a more popular choice for This makes the work of our theological • Elizabeth Miller (Distinction in MSc • Shizuka Kato (Passed September the Virgin) and Dawdon, Durham) • Chad Moody (History) 2017) • Richard Parker (Physics) as to maintain a counter-cultural witness to the potential students. colleges all the more important in preserving Education) • Stephen Mills (St John’s Preston, • Tiarnach McDermott (Passed • Jan Perz (Physics) Academy. This was a point which Archbishop What has attracted most attention is the the integrity of Christian theology as a • Nathan Mulcock (Distinction in the Brighton, Chichester) MTh) September 2017) • Nathan Mulcock (Stevenage St • Stephen Watkins (History) Coggan chose to draw out in particular when inclusion of many more papers on the study coherent discipline, and ensuring that a place • Elizabeth Miller (Distinction) Andrew and St George, St Albans) he preached at the House’s centenary in 1976. of Religion, and the study of individual world remains for teaching and research staff in the Other highlights • Elisabeth Sandler (Passed September • Nigel Palmer (St Benet and All Saints, Ordinand Leavers 2016 This year has seen the beginning of a big Religions. There are now no compulsory core subject areas. Without your support for DPhil 2017) Kentish Town, London) The following SSH leavers were ordained change in the traditional Oxford Theology papers, and much more of the teaching will our work, we cannot assume that this vital task • (Kai Ling) Jessie Sim (DPhil in • Yu Yang (Passed September 2017) • Matthew Topham (St Mary the Virgin, Priest this year, listed alongside their new course for undergraduates. Some ordinand be done in classes rather than tutorials. This will continue. Education) – ‘Measuring financial MSc in Learning and Tottenham, London) title parishes. students at SSH have been taking the so- reflects the way in which in modern research literacy and its correlates: A study of Teaching (p/t) • Nick Walters (St Mary the Virgin, • Toby Boutle (Whyke w Rumboldswhyke Not finalised at time of publication & Portsfield, Chichester) called Schools course since the early 1970s, universities, senior academics prefer to teach By The Revd Canon Dr Robin Ward fifteen-year-olds in Oxfordshire and Primrose Hill, London) Greater London’ • Martha Weatherill (United Benefice of • Orazio Camaioni (Ss. Peter & Paul, • Kathy Xu (DPhil in Education) – PGCE Leavers 2017 St Paul’s, Chichester with St Peter’s, Wantage, Oxford) The 1876 Society ‘The use of romanized Chinese • Sarah Blair (English) Westhampnett, Chichester) • David D’Silva (St John the Baptist, We welcome the following new members. To join The 1876 Society, please email [email protected] by first- and second-grade pupils: • Martyn Hall (French with German) James White and Fr Gregory Lipovsky Edlington & Hexthorpe, Sheffield) • The Revd Mark Bonney • Bishop Jonathan Baker • Canon Paul Burrows • Gregory Tucker challenges in learning pinyin’ • Jessica Holmes (English) also completed their studies this year. • Stephen Graham (St Andrew, Holt, • The Revd Justin Hutcherson • The Revd Grant Naylor • The Revd John Warner • The Revd Peter Eagles • Adam Jibson (Physics) Fr Gregory’s title parish is St Mary the with High Kelling, Norwich) • Bishop Philip North • The Revd David Stevenson • Bishop Norman Banks • The Ven David Graduate Leavers 2017 • Naomi Sutton (Physics) Less, Cambridge, Ely. • Ali Hodkinson (St Helen, Auckland, • Lannah Thatcher (French with Durham) • The Revd Ben Weitzmann • The Revd Imogen Black • Lay Canon Ann Turner Gunn-Johnson PGDip in Theology and Spanish) • Peter Nissen (Benefice of Gresford & • Ian Boxall • The Revd Paul Barrow • Canon Carl Turner & The • The Revd Stephen Niechcial Religion Graduate Leavers 2016 • Jennifer Brown (Planning to work • Craig Tuffin (German with French) Finalised after newsletter was published Holt, St Asaph) • Jason Groves • Scott Cooper Parish of St Thomas Fifth • Dominik Joerg 1876 as a Librarian and go on to further • Szilvia Watson (RE) MSc in Education • Giles Orton (St Laurence, Long Eaton, • Canon Robert Fayers • Malcolm Kemp Avenue, New York, USA • Henry Hemmingdale Society study) • Jan Walukiewicz (Physics) • Subhan Ahmed Derby) how to support St Stephen’s House

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