Knightly News

On any given day, the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd serves as a space where all are welcome to worship together. At the recent Lower School Eucharist honoring the chapel’s 50th anniversary, third through fifth graders raised their voices in song to celebrate that sense of community and belonging. Students offered the Prayers of the People, played hymns and served as acolytes. They were confident and at peace in a place that has provided solace to Episcopal students and families for five decades now.

A Splendid Gothic Chapel

In 1974, the Chapel of the Good Shepherd was completed and dedicated as the Arthur Cullen Lewis, Jr., Family Memorial. This was a tremendous milestone for the new Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. Designed by A. Hays Town, it was referred to as a “splendid Gothic Chapel” in Carroll Brown’s historical account of the school. That design was enriched by the love of many in the Episcopal community who supported efforts to install everything from pews and lighting to the pulpit and stained glass windows. The chapel’s Rose window, given in honor of Mary Virginia Crain Penniman by her family, still symbolizes the passion and commitment exhibited by those early founders.

A Space for God to Come into People’s Hearts

Recently, the Right Reverend Shannon Duckworth, Diocesan Bishop of Louisiana, pointed out a unique component of the chapel design as she led the anniversary Eucharist. She asked Lower School students and guests to look up and observe the old wooden beams that support the roof. As they did, Bishop Duckworth pointed out that the wooden beams resemble the underside of a boat. She imagined that those gathered were within that boat together in a space created for God to come into people’s hearts and fill them with love.

That love has enveloped the Episcopal community and flourished in the chapel for the past 50 years. The chapel is home to significant school events, including the installation of the Head of School and Upper School Commencement. Many traditions live on in the space, such as the annual Ring Day Ceremony, Lessons and Carols and weekly worship services for each division. The chapel has hosted alumni weddings and student confirmations. It has been a place of great joy and also a place where the Episcopal community gathers to support each other through difficulties and challenges.

The Episcopal community is blessed to have the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd play such an essential role in school life. Undoubtedly, most alumni will recall a special memory in the chapel during their time on campus. Looking forward, current students and future Knights will enjoy many more memories together over the next 50 years.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who made the 50th anniversary of the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd such a special occasion, especially Bishop Duckworth. Thank you also to Fr. Patrick Edwards, Chaplain Casey Duncan, members of the student vestry and the rectors of St. James, St. Luke’s and Trinity – Fr. Chris Duncan, Fr. Bryan Owen and Fr. Peter Wong. We appreciate our special guests and donors who took time to celebrate this day with us, and we look forward to many more years together.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.