Religious Tradition

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St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s is an independent Episcopal school that welcomes students and families from all religious backgrounds and spiritual identities. In Chapel and in religious knowledge classes (which begin in first grade), we teach and learn about the many different faith traditions present in our school community.

Our chapel is the heart of our school, both physically and spiritually. Located directly opposite the front doors of the school and named for the long-serving chairman of our Board of Trustees, Gordon Chapel is a place where we gather not just for shared prayer, reflection, and meditation but also for community meetings of faculty, parents, trustees, and visitors. 

Students attend daily Chapel beginning in first grade; senior kindergarteners attend once a week. The main feature of each Chapel service is a brief presentation from a member of the community—usually a faculty member, or sometimes a student, parent, or special guest. Through music, art, dance, spoken and written word, and sometimes photographs and video, we address broad themes and special topics, such as service to others, sustainability, the Golden Rule, world religions, and friendship. 

In addition to the Chapel presentation, services include singing, accompanied by our majestic Reiger organ, voluntary recitation of The Lord’s Prayer, and a moment of contemplative silence, which is an important exercise for students (and adults) of every age. Upper division students celebrate a monthly Eucharist in addition to daily Chapel. 

Chapel services are—like our school—joyful, prayerful, spirited, and meaningful.

A young boy in a blue shirt and older woman stand in front of a wooden podium with a microphone.

Chapel unites our community through shared experiences, song, prayer, and silence. 

Recent Chapel Presentations

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A group of happy elementary school children sit in church pews at St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's in NYC.