In a fine old tithe-barn on the spurs of the Chilterns, as they slope down to the Thames at Pangbourne and Goring, a Sung Mass was celebrated for the first time on this Whit-Sunday. This barn is the Chapel of the Oratory School at its new home at Woodcote House and has readily lent itself to
adapation for its new purpose. Its three massive oak beams and its narrow windows gave it an ecclesiastical appearance even before any furniture was moved in and its fine flooring and walls were in perfect repair.
The marble Altar from Caversham is not yet installed, the old Lady Altar being used as the High Altar at present. Behind it hangs the reproduction of Era Filippo-Lippi's " Madonna adoring the Infant Christ." At the other end of the Chapel hangs the picture of St.
Philip Nett Along one side wall is fixed the large War Memorial to those who fell in the last War, and two tapestries hang on either side of this. Intensive work has had to be done to accomplish all that has been achieved in the short time available.
On Sunday, however, the Altar was bright with candles and azaleas gathered in the lovely grounds of Woodcote House. A choir from among the boys sang the Mass very creditably, and, as someone remarked, it almost seemed as if the School, after its time of stress following its evacuation from Caversham, was coming into harbour with colours flying.