On 17 January 2024 the new year started at Bishops.  It was to be like no other.  Bishops' 175th year began in style.  The ODA Dr Paul Murray attended this first event of the year, and wrote about it in an article dated the same day. He wrote: "Today, Wednesday 17 January 2024, the school returned from its summer holidays.  At College there was much anticipation as students and staff began Bishops' 175th year. No less than 781 students and the staff packed into the Memorial Chapel for the first Eucharistic service of the year, followed by Bishops' fifteenth Principal, Tony Reeler's welcome address, preceded by his walking down the aisle."

Now, ten months later (Wednesday 04 December 2024), Tony Reeler once again walked down the aisle, this time to conclude the year.  He started his address by saying, "It is hard to believe it but our 175th year has come and gone!"

"So much has happened this year that has made us proud. From a facilities point of view, we entered the year with a brand new sacristy in the Memorial Chapel, covered in the authentic grey and white stone tiles that were part of the original design almost 100 years ago. It was wonderful to say goodbye to the black stoep paint that had been in its place for so long. Shortly thereafter, the bespoke red carpet leading up to the altar was laid and the design was complete."

He continued to say: "The Brooke Chapel was consecrated by His Grace, the Archbishop in a special ceremony that included the unveiling and blessing of the last three stained-glass windows, dedicated to three very special people – the Tutus and Mrs Christina Gwavu, one of our first teachers of isiXhosa."

"Continuing with buildings, the much-awaited Ubuntu Learning Centre was opened by Chair of Council Crispin Sonn and blessed, again by His Grace the Archbishop. This magnificent facility, seamlessly linked with the Molteno Library, will serve our boys for years as a centre of academia, collaboration, learning and teaching and we are deeply grateful to all who made it happen. Our boys are loving the space!"

"While not specifically a 175 project, the rowing fraternity opened the new Bishops Rowing Centre, a home for rowing with its rowing tank and all necessary machines for the teaching of rowing and static training. My very grateful thanks to the parents in this community who worked tirelessly for many years to raise the funds for the centre."

"Celebrating a special year is not just about buildings and we hosted a multitude of events from evensong to confirmation, sports festivals to public speaking competitions, art displays to wine tasting and the list went on. One of my personal favourite events was the combined 175 music concert where every musician from Grade N – 12 performed together. This was an amazing year and to record it, we had our history updated by Mr Mike King and our museum redone."

Mr Reeler ended by expressing his thanks to all those who made this happen, in particular, Mr Joc Wrensch, who co-ordinated it all.

Below is the photograph captured at the start of the new term (featured in a previous article on the ODU website).  It was taken from the bell tower, and there is no change from that moment in the assembly, to now, as the students sang carols in the Chapel today; at the occasion of Bishop's final assembly, bringing a close to what has been an exceptional year of commemoration and celebration.  

The photograph immedialtely above was taken of the students at the inaugural assembly for Bishops' 175th year on 17 January 2024 ... the feature photograph at the top, was taken at the final event for the year (today, 04 December 2024).

AMDG.