The Chapel

Many have said Doane Academy is like a home away from home, and just as the kitchen is considered the heart of a home, the Chapel of the Holy Innocents, is Doane Academy's soul. Built in 1847, the beautiful woodwork and detailed stained glass windows highlight this architectural gem and create a peaceful and intimate place for the school community to gather. The chapel is the gathering place for both All School Meeting on Monday mornings and chapel services on Tuesdays for Upper School and Wednesdays for Lower School.

All School Meeting

Before the start of the week, the entire student body, faculty, and staff gather in the chapel for All School Meeting. Held Monday morning and led by Headmaster McGee, the agenda includes a rundown of the week's events and highlights, as well as an opportunity to celebrate student achievements. Faculty and students have the opportunity to make announcements, and the meeting almost always includes a Headmaster's Message. This message may be inspired by a book, a current news story, or an extraordinary person that is relevant to the students, the school, or its mission. In keeping with tradition, each meeting is concluded with the singing of the school’s alma mater.

Chapel Services

Founded in 1837 by the second Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey, George Washington Doane, the school is spiritually rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. While Doane Academy was founded as an Episcopal school, it recognizes the multicultural backgrounds of its students and is supportive of all religions. Chapel services at Doane focus on the spiritual with words, prayers, and music that celebrate God, but are respectful of the rich diversity within the school community. Once a week, Upper School and Lower School separately attend a service lead by the school’s chaplain, Father Haynes. Chapel services create an environment for reflection and worship that promotes and sustains the ethics, spiritual maturity, character, and leadership development that are embedded in the culture at Doane Academy.

Doane Academy respects all faith traditions while being clear about its Episcopal identity. Episcopal schools are challenged to integrate the physical, social, academic, and spiritual development of the whole child. As a group, Episcopal schools share:

• A belief in the fundamental unity of the global family
• A belief in the equality and dignity of all human beings
• A belief in the sacredness of every individual and his or her conscience
• A belief that love, compassion, unselfishness, and the force of inner truthfulness ultimately have greater power than hate, enmity, and self-interest
• A commitment by each member of the school community to grow in service to others
• A commitment to provide opportunities for worship and development of the spiritual life
• A commitment to engage freely in ethical and religious discussion, when appropriate, in all academic disciplines.
• A commitment to an atmosphere of free inquiry in all academic pursuits as we seek the truth in a learning process unfettered by dogmatic considerations.

For more information regarding Episcopal Schools please visit the National Association of Episcopal School’s website at http://www.episcopalschools.org/