On Sunday, 2 August 2026, the Kingswood community gathered to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the Kingswood Memorial Chapel, which first opened its doors in 1962 and has remained the spiritual heart of the College ever since. Built in remembrance of all Kingswoodians who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Memorial Chapel continues to serve as a place of worship, reflection and remembrance for generations of Kingswoodians.

The anniversary service commenced outside the Chapel, where the Heads of the College’s seven houses read aloud the names of Old Kingswoodians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars. Wreaths were then laid at the foot of the memorial plaques by College Head, Mr Leon Grové, together with Head Girl, Megan Fletcher, and Head Boy, Sandi Peter, followed by Chair of Council, Mr Richard Gaybba (OK 2001), Izak Smuts, representing the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH), and Mr Chris Hobson (OK 1990), President of the Old Kingswoodian Club.

Following the laying of wreaths, the Kingswood flag and College Colours were lowered to half-mast during the sounding of the Last Post before being raised once more to the stirring notes of the Reveille, a tradition that remains one of the most moving moments of the annual commemoration.

The congregation then moved into the Memorial Chapel for the anniversary service, which concluded with the second annual Beacon Ceremony, a moving service of remembrance that continues to grow as a meaningful tradition within the life of the College and the Old Kingswoodian (OK) community.

Held as part of the Chapel Anniversary Service, the Beacon Ceremony provides an opportunity for the Kingswood family to pause together in remembrance of Old Kingswoodians who have passed away during the past year. It is a time to honour their lives, celebrate their lasting contribution to the Kingswood community, and offer their families a place of reflection within the school that formed such an important part of their journey.

Families of those being remembered gathered alongside members of the Kingswood community. Families who were unable to attend in person were also included in the ceremony through the lighting of candles on their behalf, ensuring they too were represented in this shared act of remembrance.

Welcoming those gathered, Mr Chris Hobson (OK 1990), President of the Old Kingswoodian Club, reflected on the purpose of the Beacon Ceremony, describing it as an opportunity to set aside the busyness of everyday life and remember those who remain an enduring part of the Kingswood story. Drawing inspiration from the College Hymn, For the Might of Thine Arm, he reminded the congregation of the words, “We are watchers of a beacon,” explaining that the beacon symbolises the guiding light, values and spirit of Kingswood that are carried forward by every generation.

Mr Hobson also reflected on the reality of loss, reminding those gathered that, “loss knows no age, no season, and no measure. Whether recent or long past, each life remembered here has left an enduring mark on our Kingswood family, and each is held with the same gratitude, love and respect.” These words beautifully captured the spirit of the ceremony, affirming that every life is remembered with equal dignity, gratitude and love.

During the reading of the In Memoriam list, families were invited to come forward to light a candle in memory of their loved one before placing it in an individual candle holder on the remembrance table at the front of the Chapel. Together, the candles created a beacon of remembrance, symbolising that while earthly lives may have ended, the light of their influence continues to shine through the memories they leave behind and the lives they touched.

In a touching gesture of inclusion, Carey Hobson (OK 1974) lit candles on behalf of families who were unable to be present but had requested that their loved ones be remembered. Mr Chris Hobson then lit a final candle in remembrance of all those whose loved ones could not attend the service before inviting the congregation to observe a moment of silence in honour of every life remembered.

As the remembrance table glowed with the light of each individual candle, those gathered were reminded that every Old Kingswoodian leaves an enduring legacy, one that continues to shape the College and its community long after their passing.

The combined Chapel Anniversary Service and Beacon Ceremony reflect two complementary acts of remembrance: one honouring those who gave their lives in service to their country, and the other celebrating the lives of Old Kingswoodians whose contribution to the Kingswood family continues to endure. Together, they reinforce the values of remembrance, gratitude and community that have long been at the heart of Kingswood College, ensuring that, true to the words of the College Hymn, the light of the beacon continues to shine for generations to come.