Belmont+Chapel

BELMONT CHAPEL
//Student supplied information about objects in and their relevance to Belmont Chapel at St. Mark's School. Please scroll down and submit your information inthe appropriate spot.//

Altar Painting - Jake and Ally
==The Altar Painting in Belmont Chapel is a replica of an Italian painting from the Renaissance era. The painting itself depicts the virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. The three separate panels of the painting are though to represent the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One can tell that it is from the Renaissance because of the highly realistic linear perspective of the painting. In this era, artists moved from simply painting 2-Dimenisional work to treating a painting as a "window into space". The depth of the room that Mary stands in reflects this style. The Renaissance style of including light and shadow is also reflected in the Altar Painting as the room the characters stand in is seems dimly lit. -Jake ==

=The two panels to the left and right of the altar painting depict the 4 Gospels: Mark Matthew Luke and John. The oldest Gospel in the painting with the white beard is most likely the Gospel Mark because he was the first writer of Jesus' story. Two Cherubs are also in the center painting surrounding the Virgin Mary and Jesus. One has a trumpet. Trumpets symbolize the announcement of something great (usually). The great announcement is the birth of the Son of God. -Ally=


Upon entering the chapel, you will notice two angels on the back wall, one on either side of the organ pipes. Angels do not have a specific gender and do not take on the form of human. Rather, they consist of energy, love, and light. Angels exist in order to comfort us, mostly on the emotional and spiritual level. They provide a sense of happiness for people, and if you are “open to them”, you are able to sense their presence as well. There are many different groups of angels as well. The angels in the chapel are called archangels, and they are part of the second choir of angels. They are also one of the higher-ranking types of angels and exist in many religions, the main ones being Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism. One important aspect is that these archangels in the chapel are holding incense sticks in their hands. These incense sticks are believed to relieve stress and frustration and makes things soothing and peaceful. These angels are in our chapel because they can apply to almost any religion and serve the purpose of making the atmosphere in the chapel serene. This encompasses one of the main reasons why we have chapel. It is not supposed to be extremely religious, but rather a time to come together as a school and get away from the chaos of everyday life. It allows you to think, pray, and basically separate yourself for awhile from an everyday routine. These angels contribute to this, providing a sense of warmth, joy, and overall peaceful mood in the chapel, and are a symbol of the many reason of why we have chapel at St. Marks. When looked at specifically from the view of St. Mark’s School, I see the angels as a visual image telling us that God is supporting the music coming from the organ pipes. The function of the incense is to bless the music coming out of the organ pipes. Incense is a representation of a sacrificial offering to God, and in this, it acts as a way to bless the things near it. The angels also want to tell us that there is a message coming from the music that we hear. If we listen, we can learn things from the beautiful changing notes of the organ.**
 * On either side of the organ pipes above the entrance to the chapel there is an angel. These angels are on clouds, holding staffs and incense. The angels are placed on clouds to show their divinity and their proximity to God. The role of angels in religion is to bring the message of God to the people, which makes them a holy and very important image in religion. The angels around the organ is also a prominent image in Angiclan churches part of the Roman-Catholic tradition.

Architecture - general design of interior - Hannah
==Belmont Chapel is very similar to many chapels of the Romanesque period(1000CE to 1140CE). It follows the trend of Romanesque architecture because of the layout of the chapel and the construction of the roof. Belmont Chapel is a crucifix form church, meaning that it resembles the cross, with a vertical nave and a slightly less exaggerated perpendicular transept. Belmont chapel has a side aisle, similar to those churches of the Romanesque period that were designed for pilgrimages. The side aisle provides more seating in addition to the seating in the nave. Belmont Chapel also has an semi-circular apse, which is very common in French, Italian, and English Romanesque architecture. The ceiling of the Chapel uses wooden transverse arches to support the weight of the roof. As a result of the weight transfer from the transverse arches, Belmont Chapel can have more stained glass windows and clerestory windows. The weight of the roof is transfered into pillars instead resting on the walls of the chapel; therefore, the walls do not need to be as sturdy as if they carried the weight of the entire roof. The use of stairs is very important in Holy spaces because they symbolize the ascent to heaven, closer to God. When you first step into the chapel, you go up one step. When you enter the choir, there are three steps, representative of the Holy Trinity. When you reach the altar(or apse), you must once again go up one more step. Although there are some key points that differ between Romanesque architecture and Belmont Chapel, overall, it is very characteristic of the architecture in that time period. ==

Baptismal Font - Luke
Baptism is the ritual of accepting someone as a member of the Christian Church, using water. People can be baptized by being fully submerged or by having the water poured or sprinkled on their head. In earlier Christianity, baptisms were only done outside, in bodies of water such as rivers. But soon after that, the Church decided that they could be done indoors using basins, which evolved into baptismal fonts. Some of the first baptismal fonts have been found in the Roman catacombs. Our very own Belmont Chapel has a device used for baptism, a baptismal font. A baptismal font is a decorated basin, made out of wood or stone that is filled with the water. When someone is to be baptized, they will either be submerged in the font, or has some of the water poured on them. The manner in which you are baptized is dependent on the size of the baptismal font. The baptismal font in Belmont Chapel is currently on the left side of the Alter. It is a smaller font, meaning you can’t baptize someone in it by submerging them. It is made of a stone basin attached to a stone pedestal. The basin is closed off by a lid, and upon the lid is a sculpture. In my time at St. Mark’s, I hadn’t really noticed the baptismal font until I started looking for an object to do for this project. But the font is a really interesting piece of the Chapel, and anyone who hasn’t seen it already should check it out next time they are in the chapel.

Cherubim (along wooden ceiling beams) - Hima and Sophie
==When you walk into Belmont Chapel and look up you see these faces with wings, along the wooden beams. Those faces are known as Cherubim.Cherub in hebrew means Masculine. Cherubim are known as angelic beings that warship and praise God .God gave power to 3 angelic beings, Cherubim, Seraphim, and Archangels. The highest power was given to the Cherubim, they had to follow orders such as directing and expressing worship towards God. Cherubim are first mention in Genesis 3:24. Satan, before his rebellion, was known as a Cherubim. -Sophie ==


Many people do the notice the cherubim when they enter into the Belmont Chapel at St. Mark’s school. Some do not even know what they are or how they look like. The word “cherubim” has different connotations in various religions and cultures. For example, in medieval catholic theology, the cherubim are “one of the highest ranks in the hierarchy of angels, along with the seraphim.” But on the other hand, in Christian tradition, cherub and cherubim are symbolic representations of angels. Furthermore, in the bible, they are described as “winged creatures combining human and animal features.” This is also how they are portrayed in the Belmont Chapel; the cherubim there can perhaps be called “baby angels” as they have the face of a baby and the wings of an animal or an angel. These cherubim encircle the entire chapel and therefore it can be inferred that they also surround the majesty of God to pay him everlasting service. There are also various references in the bible that can attest to this statement, as is seen in the book of Genesis: “So he drove out the man, and he placed at the east of the Garden of Eden cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life.” It is described here that the cherubim are guarding the way to the tree of life . http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03646c.htm http://www.pantheon.org/articles/c/cherubim.html


<span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The stained-glass depiction of David shows him not as the second king of the Israelis, as he eventually would become, but in two distinct scenes from his far humbler early life. The top image depicts him as a shepherd in a field, complete with crook, while the bottom illustrates him playing the lyre for King Saul. These images are captioned “David, Champion of Right.” It may seem as though this stained glass window might not be appropriate in an Episcopalian school chapel. However, the entire window helps to convey a message to students; working hard and being humble are important by themselves, not just as a means to an end. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(124,0,255);"> Both panels of the stained glass window depict David before he was king, working hard either shepherding or singing for King Saul. This suggests that the window maker thought that it was more important for one to see David as he was when he was young. This is indeed logical, for the intended audience of the window is a group of high school students. The bottom image, that of David playing the lyre, is especially relevant. It shows the importance of the arts through the scene by reminding those who see the window of how David warmed Saul’s heart with the lyre, showing its usefulness. In addition, the caption does not focus on David being powerful or “great” in the typical sense, but as the right, suggesting that being intelligent is far more important than being powerful. Such a message is very important for a school! Finally, the largest picture, that of David shepherding, shows him humbly doing what he was supposed to do. That reminds the viewer of the school motto, Age Quod Agis, or “Do what you do”. Indeed, David did do what he was good at, be it shepherding or playing the lyre, and eventually that made him king. He lived the motto of St. Marks, making him an appropriate figure to have in our school chapel.

John Keble (sculpture) - <span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);">Dan
As you enter Belmont Chapel and look eastward (left), you will notice 12 statues on the chancel. John Keble was an Anglican priest, a theologian, and a poet towards the Oxford Movement. According to John Keble, the only way to read a scripture is, "To read thoughtfully and regularly, a little at a time, of the sayings and doings of our dear Lord, in the Gospels; praying is also regularly, and sbstaining from bad books and bad company; a blessing, be sure will be upon you." John Keble is listed as the first statue and is closest to the alter. He is looking to the right and is holding a book. To my best guess, the book is the //Hymns of the Christian Church// or the bible. He is the first statue because he wrote our School Hymn: Sun of My Soul. Sun of My Soul is a modern Hymn from the //Hymns of the Christian Church//.

Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear, It is not night if Thou be near; Oh may no earth-born cloud arise To Hide Thee from Thy servant's eyes!

When the soft dews of kindly sleep My weary eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought how sweet to rest Forever on my Saviour's Breast!

Abide with me from morn till eve, For without Thee I cannot live; Abide with me when night is nigh, For without Thee I dare not die.

If some poor wandering child of Thine Have spurned to-day the voice divine, Now, Lord, The gracious work begin; Let him no more lie down in sin.

Wach by the sick; enrich the poor With blessings from Thy boundless store; Be every mourner's sleep to-night, Like infant slumbers, pure and light.

Come near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take, Till in the ocean of Thy love We lose ourselves in heaven above. 

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 * <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0,176,80); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">[[image:MaryKate.jpg align="left"]]When you enter Belmont Chapel, twelve sculptures line the wooden beam separating the side aisles from the back seating in the nave. The sculpture closest to the entrance of the chapel is of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This saint depicted in the sculpture wearing the armor of a warrior was born in 1491 at the castle of Loyola in Spain and died in Rome on July 31, 1556. He was a cleric in the castle beginning at an early age, having relationships with the people of the royal court. For awhile Ignatius got caught up in his own status and looks. His life took a turn for the better when King Velasquez died and he enrolled himself in the Spanish army. As an officer he took on unbearable pain and leadership. After an injury from battle, he read the only books he could find, ones about The Saints and Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. The idealism of becoming a Saint and becoming known for good works instead of killing people in war drove Ignatius to commit his soul completely to bettering Christianity. He compiled his thoughts into the book Spiritual Exercises which highlights his belief in Sainthood being similar to heroism. Leaving Spain to travel the world, he gained followers of his ideals, who helped him in speaking out in poverty-stricken countries about Christianity. In 1537, him and his followers finally visited the Pope, who helped them to found The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. This mission of this brotherhood of Christian men is to be representatives of God's word and the Pope by spreading Roman Catholicism throughout the world. **
 * <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0,176,80); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">In Belmont Chapel, this sculpture of St. Ignatius can be symbolic for the motivation and passion that us students are encouraged to have here at St. Mark's. St. Ignatius is a perfect Christian example of following your conscience and morals, and finding what you're really interested in, and pursuing that passion. St. Ignatius stood up for what he believed in, and that is what we are supposed to do here at St. Mark's. Our school motto sums up this symbolism through telling us to do what we're intrigued by, and do it the best we can. That is what St. Ignatius did through his foundation of The Society of Jesus and his commitment to Christianity. **

Pipe organ - <span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);">Wyatt and Kyle
=<span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);"><span style="font-size: 18pt; color: rgb(65,124,34); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> = __Reflections on the significance of the organ__ by Wyatt
 * <span style="font-size: 16pt; color: rgb(65,124,34); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">During every song while meeting in the Belmont Chapel, the room is filled with a rich, purifying sound which derives from the Chapel's pipe organ. A pipe organ is a keyboard in which compressed air is pressed through different sized pipes to emit different pitches. The powerful instrument leads St. Marker’s in song and seems to ring in one’s ears long after the music has stopped. The piano, which could be considered as the pipe organ’s relative, would not be able to produce such a substantial and multifaceted sound and would more than likely be consumed by the voices of the St. Mark’s choir. Music has always been a big part of chapels and is even mentioned in Colossians (New Testament) which reads ****<span style="font-size: 16pt; color: green; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">“ ****<span style="font-size: 16pt; color: green; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gladness in your hearts to the Lord." **
 * <span style="font-size: 16pt; color: rgb(65,124,34); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The first pipe organs were used all the way back in the third century by people of Ancient Greece. These pipe organ's designs are credited to Ctesubius of Alexandria. At the time, music in churches was restricted to only singing the psalms. Over time composers made each psalm more and more unique and complex until finally the words of the songs were too difficult to understand. Thus, the pipe organ was used to play many different parts. The music for the pipe organs then became just as difficult and the great musician Bach even used a pipe organ to play a single mass in all 24 keys! **
 * <span style="font-size: 16pt; color: rgb(65,124,34); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">In the 12th century, the pipe organ began to become more advanced. During this period, the organ was able to produce different timbres (or instrumental sounds.) The new, incredible music aspect in churches began to attract more people and pipe organs soon became popular in Germany, France, and in Holland. Today, organs are popular in most churches and also concert halls. By now, many of these organs have developed into being electronic. **
 * <span style="font-size: 16pt; color: rgb(65,124,34); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">-Kyle **<span style="font-size: 16pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

The music produced by the chapel organ is an integral part of our weekly chapel services. The organ is a truly dominating instrument. Other musical instruments are no match for its tremendous power and sonic depth; the only noise that seems to rival its prominence is that of excited chatter amongst St. Markers. With this being said, the organ is essential to our weekly Tuesday night services, but it does not have a place in every service held in Belmont Chapel – its bravado, if I do say, is well suited to enriching the spiritual atmosphere of all-school events (such as Tuesday night services), but an organ concerto would not be suited quite as well to more quiet, contemplative services, such as the Sunday night celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

The organ is a truly beautiful sounding instrument. It is worth noting its sonic complexity; Mr. Berryman must use all four of his limbs in terrifically syncopated combination (if this doesn’t sound difficult, just watch his hands fly about the double-layer keyboard and his feet carefully navigate the array of foot pedals sometime!) to produce its proper sound. Such a sound enriches the spiritual atmosphere of the chapel both by providing joyful accompaniment to hymns and by simply giving the chapel what I perceive to be a generally “grand” sonic atmosphere (notably, during instrumental passages). A “lesser” instrument, such as the piano, simply could not accomplish what the organ does.

The design of the organ is certainly worth noting as well: take one look at the row of pipes that occupy the inner front wall of the chapel and not much more should need to be said. Daunting and majestic, the metal pipes actually remind me of a much greater transcendent force present somewhere in the cosmos. As a personal anecdote, I recall performing a guitar piece with a friend during a Tuesday night chapel service of my IV Form year. I had never really “noticed” the pipes before – I am sure I was aware of their existence, but I guess I just hadn’t really taken in what an incredible sight they were. Whilst in the middle of the guitar piece, I gazed about the chapel and caught sight of the pipes and truly “took them in” for the first time – I was so suddenly distracted by their imposing presence that I dropped the pick I was using to play guitar!

==St. Mark (stai<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> ned glass window) - <span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);">Katie and Eric == ==<span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);"><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"><span style="color: rgb(23,54,93); line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">  == ****<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Another important symbol is the lion. In Mark 1:3, John is described as “crying out in the wilderness,” creating a comparison between John and the lion, which also roars and cries out in the wilderness. Therefore, the lion is symbolic of Mark. This explains why our mascot is the lion; it corresponds with our school name, St. Mark’s. **<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> **<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The rock on which St. Mark is standing on is representative of Peter, who was St. Mark's supposed source. Peter was one of the original twelve disciples. He became the prominent leader of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem, making him the “rock” on which early Christianity was “founded.” Because St. Mark's School was originally founded in the Episcopal Church, this symbol was included in the window to remind people of the original "founder" of Christianity. **<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> **<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">St. Mark is also dressed in light blue and white in both images. Blue and white are traditionally believed to be the colors of the Virgin Mary. This could suggest that just as Jesus came from Mary, the Gospels, which are very important in Christianity, came from St. Mark. Therefore, St. Mark is a very important person in Christian tradition. ****<span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Other symbols include the tree and city behind St. Mark. The tree probably represents how believers in Christ grow and mature, just as how trees grow. The city probably is Jerusalem or Rome, where Mark recorded the Gospel. St. Mark could also be bringing the Gospel to the city. If these two symbols are extended further, the tree could represent education at St. Mark's School, where students' knowledge grows. The city could represent how St. Mark's School brings knowledge to students or how it prepares students for the real world, which is also stated in the school mission: "St. Mark's School educates young people...and we encourage each person to explore his or her place in the larger world..." **
 * <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The stain glass window of St. Mark is the farthest-down window on the right. This is a very important window because, of course, our school was named after St. Mark. The majority of the stain glass windows in the Chapel depict major scenes from the Bible, reminding people of the many stories within the Word. Like in many other churches, the light and image cast by the windows also create a special atmosphere in the Chapel. **
 * <span style="font-size: 13pt; color: rgb(23,54,93); line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The most prominent symbol depicted in the window is the Gospel of Mark, which both St. Mark and the lion are holding. This is thought to be the earliest Gospel, written by John Mark in either Jerusalem or Rome. His source is traditionally thought to be Peter; St. Mark is depicted in the lower frame as recording information from a person, probably Peter. Because the Gospel of Mark is the oldest, it contains a greater apocalyptic influence, for the Second Coming was thought to happen in the near future. Therefore, it has information that is more immanent; it gives no past of Jesus and drops off after the women find Jesus’ empty tomb. It also answers the question: "Who is Jesus?" by saying, "Jesus is the Christ." Its two occurrences in the window emphasize the Gospel and St. Mark’s pioneering attempt to record Jesus’ life on paper.
 * Overall, the many symbols in this window all combine into a complex metaphor. This metaphor emphasizes the Christian roots of St. Mark's School and the Gospel of Mark. It encourages people to follow the examples of St. Mark and Jesus, very important figures in Christianity. While using art to present its message, the artist also allows for many more interpretations in different contexts, like to the mission of St. Mark's School. -Eric **

Katie Grossman-Window Of St. Mark To me the window of St. Mark perfectly depicts our school. When I look at the window I can see that there is an equally large influence on learning as there is on teaching. The most emphasis appears to be on the Gospel of Mark. St. Mark wrote the second Gospel, in Rome sometime before the year 60 A.D. In the upper section of the window Mark is holding his gospel while sitting on the lion, our school mascot. In the lower section of the window Mark is reading from the Gospel sharing the words with others. Above Mark, a tree sprawls over him. The tree could perhaps symbolize the community and learning that St. Mark’s provides. Furthermore, there is a red tone in the window that makes it very warm, inviting, and pleasing to look at. The window has very deep toned colors this represents the prosperity, wealth, and happiness that are present at St. Mark’s.

St. Michael Window - <span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);">Franny
<span style="font-size: 120%; color: rgb(148,0,255); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Catholics, Jews, and Muslims recognize Archangel Michael. To Christians, he is the commander of God’s army and patron saint of warriors and chivalry. Christians also recognize him for caring for the sick. He is the great heavenly physician of Constantinople. Michael appears by name in the Book of Daniel as a chief prince in Daniel’s vision and in the Book of Revelations. He led the Sons of Light in the War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (God vs Satan) where he is called the “prince of light.” He also has the title of “prince of Israel” in the Book of Enoch where is described as merciful, patient, and presides over human virtue. He was the angel that is believed to give the commandments to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Roman Catholics see Michael as the angel of death who delivers the soul to Heaven where it is put in a balance to see if they’re to remain in heaven or go to hell, and they see him as the biggest foe of Satan. According to rabbinic tradition, Michael defends Israel and goes into battle against other angels to protect it. He announced to Sarah, wife of Abraham, that she would have a son, Isaac, and then intervened so that Abraham would not sacrifice him. It is believed Michael was Moses’ teacher and brought Moses’ soul to God. Michael watched over Adam, Eve, and the first family after their exile from the Garden of Eden, taught Adam how to farm, and convinced God to let Adam’s soul be cleansed of the great original sin to remain in Heaven.

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On the west wall of the chapel there is a series of towering stained glass windows. The window depicting a young knight clad in shining white armor is a Tiffany Window. Tiffany Windows are valuable works of art and are revered in the stained glass industry. The name “Tiffany” come from Louis Comfort Tiffany; a legendary stained glass window artisan throughout most of the 19th century and early 20th century. Louis had a way of using drapery glass on each plated layer of glass in order to artistically show clothing or textiles on holy figures. Tiffany Windows are usually made with copper foil and have signatures. Most of the faces on his windows resemble the figures on other Tiffany windows. A Tiffany window usually displays a landscape, an ecclesiastic figure, or a flower. Due to its immense amount of detail and color, the landscape windows are often worth a great deal. Designs of flowers will be found more often in domestic homes as an ornament of beauty. However, the commonplace for Tiffany Windows is a church with images of ecclesiastic characters. In the Middle Ages, people made glass out of a very abundant, simple material, sand. These materials would be heated up at extremes temperatures for a long time to make glass. What gave the glass color was a series of metal oxides. Each oxide created a different color when melted into the clear glass. Cobalt makes blue, copper makes red, manganese makes purple or green, and iron makes a yellow or even gold color. Depending on how long each oxide was heated for, the darker or lighter each color would become (Rockwell 44).

William of Wykeham - <span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);">Tyler
==<span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);"> == ==<span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);"><span style="color: rgb(181,194,252);"><span style="color: rgb(0,23,255);">William of Wykeham was the Bishop of Winchester, Chancellor of England and founder of Winchester College. He was born in July of 1324 and died on September 27, 1404. He lived in Wickham of Hampshire. After he graduated, he became secretary to the constable of Winchester Castle, where he was noticed by Bishop Edington and then King Edward III. He started to work for the King when he was about twenty-three. He worked as an architect and surveyor, building and restoring various castles and churches. However, his job quickly changed in 1362, because he was ordained as a priest. At the same time he became warden of the royal forests in the south of England, and in 1364 he became keeper of the privy seal. By this time he had so much power he had a vote in almost everything that happened in the kingdom. == ==<span style="color: rgb(65,124,34);"><span style="color: rgb(181,194,252);"><span style="color: rgb(0,23,255);">In October 1366, he was elected to succeed Edington as Bishop of Winchester. However, in 1372, a cry for the removal of the great offices of state from the hands of clerics led to Wykeham resigning the great seal and gave him more leisure for his episcopal duties. In 1373 he personally visited every church and monastery in his diocese, and made plans for educational foundations. His first school was the new New College at Oxford. In 1379, the charter was issued, with royal and papal licence, and the foundations were laid in 1380; and six years later the college was inaugurated. Closely connected with the New College, was the grammar school of St. Mary at Winchester, which provided education for seventy-four students in preparing for entering the college at Oxford. Wykeham was the first founder of a college in which the chapel was an essential part of the design. His rules allowed for stately and elaborate services during chapel, which included the daily singing of seven Masses at the high altar. ==