Chapel Talk

Chapel Talk A new direction respects our past

By Julie Caspersen

Dave Stewart likes the term “spiritual humanism.” It’s how he describes the gatherings he leads in Memorial Chapel.

“We sing some of the classic songs that Old Boys will remember, and we respect the space as a living memorial to those Andreans who fought and died in the service of their country, in the way we always have,” explains Dave, nearing the end of his first year as SAC’s Associate Director, Student Affairs (formerly Associate Director, Student Engagement and Wellness).

“For me, however, the purpose is to create dialogue about important elements of our world.”

Discussions can revolve around social justice issues or centre on current events. There is time for reflection, songs, laughter, and tears.

“It’s a special time for our community to come together, and I count myself very fortunate to be a part of it,” says Dave, who came to St. Andrew’s 22 years ago as an Upper School history teacher.

Since 1931, Memorial Chapel has been a place of gathering and reflection on the Aurora campus. Old Boys who visit the school would be hard-pressed to find many differences in the ambience and architecture.

There has been a slow shift in direction in the decades since services were preached to students and rooted in the Presbyterian traditions of the school’s founders. As St. Andrew’s has evolved, so has chapel time. This report was included in the 1971-72 Review:

“This year, our chapel service took on a new light. Students at the college began to take the initiative, and preached or read or gave lessons to the school, instead of the standard service. Of course, we have the Headmaster and Dr. Wilkie to preach, and this is always welcomed by the student body.”

During chapel these days, students gather weekly, sharing time with friends in a unique setting. “I greet every student as they walk into the chapel with either a handshake or a fist bump. I want them to know I am happy that they are there, and I value what they bring to chapel and the school,” Dave says.

Topics often focus on weighty subjects, such as World Cancer Day, anti-Semitism, and Black Lives Matter.

“However, there are times when I see or hear something in the hallway that prompts me to discuss certain things. Sometimes it’s literally a gut feeling, something that has impacted me significantly that may also speak to the boys,” Dave says. “In the end, that’s what it’s all about: I want the boys

Dave Stewart with (L to R) Chapel Council members Gabe Cinq-Mars ’24, Jack Bulmer ’23, Colton Phillips ’22, and Riley Knox ’22

to benefit. I want the time spent in chapel to positively impact the lives of these bright, young men.”

At times, the conversation in chapel expands into a schoolwide initiative. For example, this year on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, Dave spoke to the Middle School boys and members of Board of Governors about Phyllis Webstad, Chanie Wenjack, and the horrors of the residential school system in Canada. Every student wore an orange shirt, a symbol of the forced assimilation of Indigenous children, and Board members were given beaded pins in the shape of orange T-shirts.

Dave is quick to point out that his offerings are not lessons in civics or history. He talks about standing up to hate and indifference, stresses the importance of mindfulness, and allows time for feedback. There is often an accompanying video to help the students visualize the topic.

“In the end, we are a multi-faith school that represents people from around the world. I try to discuss things that will matter to everyone.”

Chaplains over the years:

The Headmaster was the Chaplain until 1966

1966 – 1969 The Rev. Dr. John M. Wilkie

1969 – 1971 The Rev. W. Clair Woodbury

1972 – 1987 The Rev. Robert W. Meagher

1988 – 2002 The Rev. Robert J. Arril

2002 – 2018 The Rev. Bruce J. Roffey

Current: Mr. Dave Stewart, Associate Director, Student Affairs

At every formal function at St. Andrew’s College, gratitude is expressed toward the Indigenous peoples who lived and worked on the land. This is part of the school’s commitment to honouring Sections 62 and 63 of the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It states that schools should “make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada” as well as build “student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy and mutual respect” for Indigenous peoples in Canada. The formal acknowledgement that the school is on the traditional territory of Indigenous peoples who called this land home started in 2020 and became a consistent piece to introduce formal gatherings in 2021. It is a small but necessary step toward reconciliation, reminds us of our privileged role, and expands our understanding of the land’s rich history. X

Middle School Council members (L to R): Sihan Guo ’26 with the Six Nations flag, Dante Ferri ’26 with the Métis flag, Parker Bifolchi ’26 with the Canadian flag, Jayden Leung ’26 with the Anishinaabe flag, and Ethan Meretsky ’26 with the Two Row Wampum flag.