Chapel & faith
Hertford Chapel is an inclusive place in the heart of the college and the city, where all are welcome to join our spiritual and musical events.
Built in 1908 by the celebrated architect T.G. Jackson (who also designed our famous ‘Bridge of Sighs’), Hertford’s Chapel is always open for students, fellows, staff and visitors to come in and explore. See if you can spot a famous Hertford deer on the beautifully carved woodwork! A welcome sheet is available to guide your visit. We welcome those of all faiths and backgrounds to celebrate, rest, meditate, muse and pray in the Chapel. We also have a separate prayer room for those who wish to practise individual worship in a non-denominational space.
Every Sunday at 5:45 in term, we enjoy the traditional reflective service of Choral Evensong, including a thought-provoking sermon, before drinks together and formal hall (for those who wish). Mid-week services of Holy Communion and candle-lit Compline are also held. Please see the term-card for more details.
Although the Chapel is in the centre of a bustling city, it is a quiet and serene place. It has a wonderful acoustic and is home to the musical life of the college. Our student-run Hertford College Music Society organises regular rehearsals and concerts in the chapel and our Chapel Choir sings Evensong every Sunday in term-time, meaning that you can get involved in choral singing even if you have no experience.
Our Chaplain, Rev Anthony Buckley, is responsible for the life of the Chapel, and is also available to chat about any issue, small or large. He is a former school teacher, school chaplain and parish priest, knows a little bit about English and History and a great deal about Elvis Presley. He is here for everyone in the College, whatever your background.
Over the years many students and alumni have valued the Chapel as a place where their relationships can be honoured and blessed, whether in informal celebrations or a solemn (but joyful!) marriage service, similarly for Memorial services. Please contact Anthony if you would like to discuss possibilities.
You are very welcome.
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Read more about Hertford Christian Union
The student-run Christian Union is a small but welcoming part of Hertford, running in partnership with other college CU’s as part of OICCU (Oxford Intercollegiate Christian Union). There are plenty of churches in Oxford to suit Christians of every background, with services at a range of times.
At the CU in Hertford we meet once a week to share a meal together and do a Bible study, and once a fortnight we also meet up with the other CUs at an event called ‘Central’ for worship, a talk and prayer. As a CU we aim to help each other grow in faith as a community, as well as acting as a point of reference for people in college who maybe don’t know much, or have questions, about Christianity. We welcome people of any background or stage in their faith, and love to serve Hertford and the wider Oxford community as best we can.