The Chapel at Gilwell Park

The Original Chapel

The first Chapel at Gilwell Park was built by Tom Russell, a dedicated Scout. It was simple but deeply meaningful. The altar was a tree stump with a wooden cross placed on top, and the entrance was formed by the twin trunks of a large tree that created a natural Gothic arch about 2.7 metres high and 1.8 metres wide. This beautiful, natural gateway gave the Chapel a sense of quiet dignity and peace. Although the original structure no longer stands, the wooden cross from that first altar has been carefully preserved. It now hangs in the Russell Troop Hall, reminding everyone of the Chapel’s humble beginnings and the faith that inspired it.

The Present Chapel

As Scouting grew, so did the need for a more permanent place of worship. In the 1930s, work began to build a new stone Chapel on the same site. Mr. James Thompson, a retired stonemason from Footscray, led the construction. He built the Chancel first, then went on to complete the walls and entrance pillars by 1934. Before the building was finished, the Chapel was consecrated on September 4, 1932 by Archbishop Head, marking its official dedication as a spiritual home for Scouts.

A Place of Remembrance

The Chapel is open to the air, surrounded by nature rather than enclosed by walls. Behind the altar lies a small memorial area, where the ashes of Scouts connected to Gilwell Park have been laid to rest. Among them is Arch Hoadley, one of the most influential figures in Australian Scouting, whose ashes rest beneath the altar itself.

A Living Legacy

Today, the Chapel remains a place of worship, reflection, and celebration. Scouts and Leaders gather here for services, memorials, and special occasions from Wood Badge ceremonies to weddings and ANZAC reflections. It continues to be one of the most cherished places at Gilwell Park, standing quietly among the trees as a symbol of faith, remembrance, and the community spirit that lies at the heart of Scouting.