Ella Sundstrom ’21

Cecilia Murphy ’22

Alaina Klachn ’22

A CHAPEL TO REMEMBER: Molly Konopka and T.J. Locke perform in last year’s Scrooge Chapel.
Photo courtesy of The Episcopal Academy

The Scrooge Chapel is considered one of the most memorable chapels of the school year. Known for its pop-culture references, shown in the three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, the Chapel provides a comical introduction to the holiday season.

The Scrooge Chapel is based off of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  In the novel, the miserable and greedy protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge, known for his memorable line, “Bah humbug,” is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. The ghosts try and enable Scrooge to have a more positive outlook on the world and warn him of the possible consequences of his actions.

According to Reverend Tim Gavin, Upper School Chaplain, this Chapel tradition was started at least thirty five years ago by John Muir, a theater teacher. Originally, Scrooge was played by Tony Brown, then Paul Rosenberg, and for about ten years, Scrooge was played by John Powell. “The Scrooge Chapel ranks high on my list of favorite chapels because of the time of year and how it reminds me that the Advent and Christmas seasons are transformational in that people, no matter how immoral or evil, can be transformed into a charitable and loving human beings,” says Gavin. One of his favorite memories from the Scrooge Chapel is when Peter Venema, who worked in the World Language Department back in the 1980’s and early 90’s, played Bob Marley and took the role very seriously. When asked, Gavin says that a major theme throughout all the Chapels is that “people do change and God is at the center of that change.” He believes, “God calls us to partake in something greater than ourselves and Scrooge reminds us of that.”

This Chapel specifically relates to the EA Chapel theme this year: “Love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action,” (1 John 3:18). Over the course of the play, Scrooge learns about love and compassion through the act of giving to others in need. He realizes that he will not be truly happy unless he embraces other’s presence in his life and treats them like family. This Chapel sends an important message to the EA community as we start the holiday season, reminding students that the spirit of these holidays is in giving, not receiving, and that true joy can be found in sharing this time with others.

Although she has not heard much about this Chapel tradition, Abby Gallo ‘22, a new student to Episcopal, hopes this chapel will be “funny and entertaining” and looks forward to “seeing which teachers will play the ghost characters.”

Scottie Crockett ‘19, Senior Warden, said that she loves how Reverend Albert Zug plays a new character every year. Her favorite Scrooge Chapel was five years ago when Reverend Zug played President Snow, the leading antagonist in the Hunger Games. “He memorizes all his lines, it’s very impressive, his performance is always spectacular, so Reverend Zug’s character is probably my favorite part.” She went on to say that “the surprise of the characters is always very exciting.” When asked what teacher she would like to see in this year’s performance, Scottie replied, “I would love to see Mrs. McLaughlin on stage portraying one of the ghosts.”

This year, Molly Konopka, a Upper and Middle School Latin teacher of 23 years, who played Scrooge for the first time last year, will take on the role again. She said “I enjoy seeing the development of my character, ‘Eloisa’ Scrooge, throughout the play… it was intimidating taking the role after Mr. Powell.” When asked if she could share anything about this year’s chapel, Konopka replied, “Revealing any details would be like spoiling the end of the story.” EA will just have to wait and see what the Scrooge Chapel has in store this year!

How long had Mr. Powell been Scrooge? Mr. Powell played Scrooge for about ten years. Before him, it was a teacher named Paul Rosenberg and before him the director of alumni, Tony Brown.

How long has this chapel been around? It has been around for at least 35 years of not longer…..

Who started the chapel? I believe the theater teacher whose name was John Muir.

Who originally played Scrooge? My memory only goes back to Tony Brown.

Why do you think that the Chapel is so popular among the students? I think the students like the Scrooge chapel because it is one of our most unique chapels and has a good message. In addition, the students get to see a very different side of their teachers who participate in the chapel.

What has been your favorite “ghost” character? My favorite ghost character was Peter Venema, who was in the world language department back inthe 1980’s and early 90’s. He played Bob Marley was took it very seriously. He had real chains, make up and authentic clothing of the 19 century. He presented a very serious Bob Marley.

Is this one of your favorite chapels? I would say that Scrooge certainly ranks high on my list of favorite chapels.

If so why? It is one of my favorites due to the time of year. It reminds us that Advent/ Christmas seasons are transformational in that people no matter how immoral or evil can be transformed into a charitable and loving human being.

Out of all the Scrooge chapels you have seen what has been the major theme among them all? I think the major theme – at least for me – is that people do change and God is at the center of that change. See, I believe God calls us to partake in something greater than ourselves and Scrooge reminds us of that.

Mrs. Konopka

  • What do you look forward to about the chapel
    • End of school, close to christmas
  • What was is like taking mr powell’s role in this chapel?
    • Intinating
  • Can you tell us anything about this years chapel?
    • No, its like telling the end of a story
  • What is your favorite part about playing Scrooge?
    • Development of the character, “elouisa scrooge”
  • What do you coach/teach
    • Latin, crew
  • How long have you been at EA
    • 23 yrs

Senior

  • What are your favorite Scrooge chapel memories?
  • Every year how rev. Zug has a new character – her favorite was when she was in eighth grade when he was President Snow( from Hunger Games) it was the first one that she “knew what was going on” – memorizes all his lines very impressive- his performance is always spectacular – finished by saying rev Zug is her favorite part –
  • Why are they your favorite?
  • What are you looking forward to most this years’ chapel?
  • The surprise of the characters – it’s what makes it exciting every year
  • Does the scrooge chapel get you into the holiday spirit?
  • Is it something that you look forward to every year?
  • Of all of the scrooge chapels that you have watched, which one did you think was the best?
  • Which teacher are you hoping to see in the performance this year?
  • Mrs. Mcgloclaian

New Student

  • What have you heard about the Scrooge Chapel?
    • Nothing, just that there is one
  • What are your expectations for the chapel?
    • I hope that it is funny and entertaining and I expect the appearance of kanye
  • What are you looking forward to with this chapel?
    • I look forward to seeing the choices of ghost characters
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