Andrew Ahn ’28
Scrooge Chapel has been a longstanding tradition at EA, uniting all grades across campus for a morning of fun, connection, and reflection on the year’s trends and themes. Many students and teachers have long debated the best aspects of Scrooge Chapel’s popularity. Is it the funny, modernized version of the three ghosts of the past, present, and future? Is it the students who ask Scrooge for donations using modern slang? Or even the tall Mr. Dankanich reprising his role every year as Tiny Tim. Whatever the case, Scrooge Chapel has secured its place as one of the most jolly and memorable chapel services of the year. Students can be assured that Scrooge Chapel will offer a modern interpretation of A Christmas Carol, funny one-liners, and even just a place to laugh amidst the rush of various end-of-semester activities. However, the Chapel service itself has seen changes throughout the years, slightly shifting details that only add to the tradition’s warmth and keep it feeling fresh for each new generation of Episcopal students.
Scrooge Chapel began as a tradition on the old campus in Merion, and many students found it a refreshing change from the usual Chapel services. As a result, the Vestry made Scrooge Chapel an annual tradition, giving students, teachers, and staff a moment to wind down and enjoy a shared moment of relaxation. Head Chaplain Father Tim Gavin, with his many years of service to the Episcopal Academy, recalls his earliest experience where he had the role of controlling sound effects in 1988. “Back then, Scrooge Chapel was very tethered to the original story of Charles Dickens’ novel, and most characters stayed true to their story-counterparts, such as the three ghosts.” Father Gavin’s comments highlight how strongly the old Vestry leaned into the literal meaning of Dickens’ novel with Scrooge Chapel, creating a clear contrast to the more modernized version many students and faculty know today.
Photo courtesy of Ellen Erikson
According to Father Gavin, Scrooge Chapel gradually shifted into the version Episcopal students and faculty more recently know with a change in scenery and relationships. He says, “When we arrived on the new campus in 2010, students and teachers became more active in their relationship with each other and as such, started to rewrite the script of Scrooge Chapel, creating the different characters that correspond to the roles in A Christmas Carol.” Father Gavin highlights the joyous experience Scrooge Chapel provided to the Episcopal community, originating from the students’ desire to connect more with the teachers, in addition to the dedication of the student’s rewriting the script. Not only do students and teachers take joy in watching the festivities, but those who take a more active role in the production work together to put on a performance that encapsulates the spirit of Scrooge Chapel.
Many students have voiced their opinions and experiences with watching the Chapel. Derek Wan ’28 recalls the first time he saw Scrooge Chapel in 6th grade. “I loved the performance, and I still feel that it is a great change from the usual Chapel Service as I can laugh freely with my friends.” Wan’s comment echoes the thoughts of the majority of the student body and faculty.
Scrooge Chapel evolved from a strict retelling to the jolly and humorous interpretation of A Christmas Carol that the community knows and looks forward to today. This change can be attributed to students’ desire to create something special with their teachers and have a Chapel atmosphere that reflects the energy and humor that encapsulates the true spirit of Episcopal. In the end, the evolution of the Scrooge Chapel proves how a close-knit community such as Episcopal can truly change a tradition into something that’s still meaningful, but also genuinely enjoyable for all.
