In Loving Memory of Revd Briggs

This morning, on Thursday 12 January, pupils and staff from across the College gathered in the Sports Hall for a Service of Remembrance and Celebration for the late Revd Chris Briggs.  

In a moving and poignant ceremony, everyone present had the opportunity to pay their respects to a man much loved and revered by those not just in the Shiplake College community, but in other places where the Rev had touched the lives of others. 

The service was led by the Rector of Shiplake, Revd Robert Thewsey, who began with a welcome and words of reflection. In it, he paid tribute to the Rev’s devotion and dedication to God, before offering words of solitude and empathy to those affected by the Rev’s passing.  

Following the singing of the first hymn, Lord of All Hopefulness, Chapel Warden Gregor Jones read John Oxenham’s poem Adieu! and Au Revoir. 

Next to address the congregation was the Headmaster, Mr Howe, who in his reflections on the Rev, paid tribute to Chris with many anecdotes from his time at Shiplake.  

On the Rev queuing for over 10 hours through the night to pay his respects at the late Queen’s laying in state, Mr Howe said:  

“I think that the Rev understood far more than most about that sense of duty and service that the Queen had felt and displayed, and also that almost life-long dedication and sacrifice that such a steadfast commitment required. Because he had that same sense of duty and service – duty to God and service to everyone that he came into contact whether directly or indirectly.” 

Mr Howe further added: 

“He found his calling, followed it through, worked incredibly hard at it, brought his own personality and humour to it, he did it his way, but as a result he was magnificent at what he did – he was a superb school chaplain and we all benefitted from that. 

The Rev personified what we try to do here at Shiplake – our ethos – because those are exactly the same things that we want for all of our students. That’s one of the reasons that the Rev felt at home here – he really believed in what we are trying to achieve here. Above all, he believed in you.” 

Following on from the Headmaster were the Head and Deputy Head Chapel Wardens, Harrison Harper and Charlotte Garnett who read a passage from the Bible – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. This was followed by the singing of the second hymn, Bless the Lord, O my Soul, which was accompanied by Mr Olhausen and Jonathan Kowal on guitars. 

Following on from a set of prayers, led by the College’s Chapel Wardens and Lay Chaplain, Mr Alcock, attention turned to the Camerata, who sang Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd with Mrs Rapple Moore conducting. 

While the Camerata were singing, a video was played on the screen at the front of the congregation. In it was a montage of photos and videos of the Rev from his time at Shiplake. The video is also available below for those who missed the service or wish to watch again (with music from the service now added): 

The service concluded with a final blessing from Revd Robert Thewsey and, as the Rev had been renowned for doing, biscuits were distributed to all on departure.

Following a family funeral at the end of January there will be a memorial service of thanksgiving for the life and work of Revd Chris Briggs at Haileybury Chapel on Saturday 27 May 2023. Further details to follow.