Reverend Richard Horner, affectionately known as "the Rev.," has been the beloved Chaplain at Rugby School since 1999. His departure in December marks a momentous occasion for the entire Rugbeian community. Richard has left an indelible mark on countless individuals within our school, serving as a guiding presence during both joyous celebrations and difficult times. He never failed to bring a something special to Sunday morning Chapel, officiated the weddings of many Rugbeians, entertained us with his ‘Jogging with Jesus’ series, supported students through lockdown with his virtual Chapel sermons, and sparked huge excitement with talk of his ‘Tudor Rose.’ To celebrate his years of dedicated service we invited him to share his reflections and stories: 

“As I reflect on my 25 years at Rugby School, it’s hard to pinpoint just a few memories that stand out – there are so many that have shaped my experience. What I’ll miss most is the everyday privilege of walking along the street and being recognised by bright, young students who stop and say, "Hello, Sir." It’s a simple, yet profound joy to share life with such friendly and enthusiastic young people. There is no other walk of life where you get to do that, and it’s been a true privilege to be part of such a community. 

As Chaplain, my role has always been about being there for everyone. It’s a very different role from that of a traditional vicar in a church, where people come by choice. Here, every student and staff member attend Chapel, and so I’ve worked to ensure that my guidance speaks to everyone, regardless of their background and beliefs. I try to focus on the universal aspects of human life that we all share. The Christian faith offers something for all people, and that has been my guiding principle. 

One of my favourite aspects of Chapel has always been the weekday services, where students and staff speak to the other members of the School. Unlike the more formal Sunday services, these are often filled with personal stories, a variety of opinions, and heartfelt contributions. These services feel raw and real, and it’s always a joy to see people share their thoughts in such a personal way. 

Of course, some of the most poignant moments of my time here have been the tragic ones – the deaths of students and staff, as well as the death of the Queen. These events remind us how fortunate we are to be part of a supportive community, and how vital it is to come together during times of hardship. In these moments, I’ve tried to provide the words that might help others express what they may be feeling inwardly. It’s been a humbling and meaningful part of my role. 

I’ve also had my fair share of fun moments during my time here. One of the highlights occurred in the classroom, when a student was absentmindedly twirling a pen around his fingers while I spoke to the class. As I passed by, I casually grabbed the pen, tossed it into the air – and it flew straight out of a small gap in the window. I continued walking as if nothing had happened, leaving the class in awe. It was a pinnacle moment in my teaching, and the students were in total disbelief!

Rugby School has changed a great deal over the past 25 years. Of course, there have been physical changes to the site – impressive new buildings like the Modern Languages building and the Collingwood Centre, and the refurbishment of many of the boarding houses. But perhaps the most significant change has been the impact of smartphones and digital communication. The way we communicate has transformed completely, and the experience of being a teenager today is vastly different from when I first arrived. Everything is public and permanent now, and that adds a layer of pressure for these young people. Additionally, the rise of IT and data collection has reshaped teaching. The push for efficiency, however, can come at the cost of face-to-face interaction, which is something I have been careful to balance.  

I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many incredible colleagues, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences. Their constant inspiration has been invaluable, and I’ve learned so much from them over the years. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work with four different Headmasters, each of whom has left a lasting impression on me. Their leadership styles were distinct, yet each demonstrated strength and inspiration, providing me with valuable lessons through their example. 

When I think about my legacy, I hope people will remember that the Christian faith is not something to be dismissed as irrelevant, but rather as something reasonable and meaningful. I hope my presence here has made people reconsider the value of faith and seen it as something that can resonate in their lives. 

Personally, my time at Rugby has taught me to trust my instincts more when it comes to decision-making and communicating with young people. Being here has made me a better communicator in all areas, and I’ve become better at giving talks, telling stories, and being concrete and clear in my messaging. It’s a skill that applies in all walks of life – meeting people where they are and guiding them to where they need to go. I’ve also made lifelong friends and had experiences I will cherish forever, both as a member of staff and as a parent – two of my children attended Rugby, and that’s been a special part of my journey. I’ve also loved being a part of Rugby weddings, officiating for former pupils and colleagues. 

As I prepare to step down, my advice for my successor is simple: have fun. Embrace the role wholeheartedly, and that joy will shine through everything you do. If you love the school, it will love you back. Be true to yourself and make the role uniquely your own. 

My time at Rugby School has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I will forever treasure the fantastic memories and lifelong friendships I’ve built during my time here formed as Chaplain, teacher, parent, and supporter to my wife Debbie in her role as Housemistress of Tudor. As I look forward to the next chapter, I’ll carry with me the lessons learned and the incredible people I’ve had the privilege to know.” 

A book of Richard’s talks, 'Please Sit Down: Talks from Rugby School Chapel' will be available to buy via the School Shop from 4 December 2024. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch.