100th Anniversary Church Service Anchors Centenary Week in Worship and Gratitude

The St. Augustine’s Chapel—cradle of spiritual life at Kingston College—came alive in majestic thanksgiving on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, as the Fortis community gathered in reverent worship to mark the school's 100th Anniversary. The Solemn Eucharist, celebrated under the theme In Celebration of God’s Abundant Blessings on the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Kingston College, was a powerful opening to a week of centenary observances. It was a moment to not only look back on a century of excellence, sacrifice, and vision—but to look up, in thanks to the One in whom all things are held together.

The service was led by the Suffragan Bishop of Kingston, the Rt. Rev. Garth Minott, who delivered a stirring homily, while the school’s Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Michael Brown, served as chief celebrant. In a fitting testament to the enduring bonds forged at KC, several Old Boys also served as concelebrants. The Kingston College Chapel Choir, under the masterful direction of Mr. Audley Davidson, filled the sacred space with music that was at once majestic and deeply moving.

Palms and Purpose

The liturgy began with the blessing of the palms, a ritual that connected the congregation with Christ’s triumphant yet humble entry into Jerusalem. As the voices rose in the entrance hymn All Glory, Laud and Honour , and palm branches waved in joyful reverence, the Chapel became a living symbol of the school’s enduring motto: Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest —the Brave May Fall but Never Yield.

The prayers and readings—anchored in Isaiah, Philippians, and the Gospel of Luke—reflected on humility, sacrifice, and triumph. Dr. Patrick Dallas and student Jonathan Steer read from the scriptures, embodying the intergenerational spirit of the Fortis community. The responsorial psalm, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit,” echoed not just the voice of the suffering Christ, but also the faithful endurance of generations of KC men.

The Word Proclaimed

In his homily, Bishop Minott drew a poignant line from the Palm Sunday narrative to the founding of Kingston College by Bishop Percival Gibson in 1925. He reminded the congregation that Bishop Gibson’s mission was grounded not merely in academic ambition, but in theological conviction—a belief that God calls us to challenge injustice, uplift the downtrodden, and be faithful stewards of opportunity. The centenary, he noted, was not just a time of remembrance, but a summons to spiritual recommitment. “This chapel, this school, this moment,” the Bishop declared, “are signs that God's abundance is not an accident—it is a responsibility.”

Symbols of Unity

One of the most touching elements of the service was the active participation of every part of the KC family. From the crucifer Stewart Jacobs, to Principal Mr. Dave Myrie and Board Chairman Mr. Michael Vaccianna—who offered words of welcome and reflection—the service exemplified unity across time and role. The prayers of the people lifted up the school’s leaders, students, families, and the nation. The Act of Penitence and Absolution reminded all present that God’s grace, like KC’s mission, is ever-renewing.

A particularly resonant moment came with the singing of We Thank You Lord , the school hymn. The lyrics—"The brave may fall but never, never, never will we yield"—rang with particular force on this historic occasion. In that moment, voices joined across generations, and the Chapel became more than a building—it became a sanctuary of memory, mission, and hope.

The Sacred Table

The Eucharistic Prayer and Holy Communion, accompanied by music such as Almighty Father and I Walk Today Where Jesus Walked (rendered by KC Old Boy Barry Williams), lifted the congregation into a spiritual reflection of KC’s founding vision. The communion rite—rooted in self-giving and thanksgiving—echoed the very ethos upon which the school was built: sacrificial love, shared purpose, and divine calling.

The service concluded with the rousing processional hymn Lift High the Cross , a fitting charge to the Fortis nation to bear forward the banner of faith, truth, and service into the next century.

A Legacy Sealed in Praise

As we gave thanks for a hundred years of Kingston College, we also renewed our commitment to be faithful to the calling Bishop Gibson gave us—to build men of integrity, service, scholarship, and spirit. This centenary service was not simply a ceremonial bookmark—it was a reminder that the heartbeat of KC is spiritual before it is academic, and that its strength lies in its anchoring in Christ.

The centenary week began, as it should, in reverence. May the centenary year continue in gratitude. And may Kingston College ever flourish under God’s abundant grace.

FORTIS FOREVER.

By Patrick Dallas, Secretary, Kingston College Centenary Committee