Chaplains

Father Trevor Tyers was Chaplain from 1997 to 2002. He was an OD, and after attending UCT, he worked in business for some years. He became a Christian at age 34 and took the brave decision to attend St Paul’s Theological College in Grahamstown to become a priest. He returned to Cape Town and was parish priest for four parishes in Sea Point, and also Archdeacon of Cape Town. He was married to Jo, who also became a priest later on, for some time the Chaplain at Herschel, and they had four sons, all ODs. Trevor loved the outdoors and often wove this love into his sermons. He also took the confirmation candidates out to High Noon each year and did his best to increase their love for the outdoors, as well as for their Lord. Trevor died in June 2012.

Father Martin Coomer moved to Bishops in 1992 from associate-Rector at St Luke’s Church, Diep River, and part-time chaplain at WPPS. He came as the second chaplain with special responsibility for the Prep. When Fr Michael Bands left in 1996, Martin looked after both College and Prep until Trevor Tyers was appointed. Martin then concentrated solely on the Prep. After Trevor Tyers left in 2002, Martin took over the chaplaincy for all three schools. Martin was married to Jenny, and they have three children – all ODs. Martin, with the help of the Director of Music, Mark Mitchell, produced the first “Bishops Blue Book”, which introduced new hymns and choruses to the school as well as new orders of service. Updates of this book continue to be used in the chapels. Martin died in December 2022.

Father Terry Wilke was Chaplain from 2009 till he stepped aside because of ill-health at the end of term three in 2017. Before coming to Bishops, Terry had been Chaplain at St Mary’s DSG in Pretoria, as well as being a qualified psychologist. He was married to Rosemary, and they have three children, the youngest of whom, David, is an OD. Terry introduced the “Welcoming Service” for the new boys which remains, almost unchanged, to this day. Terry died in February 2018.

Father Bob Commin was Chaplain from term 4 of 2017 until the end of 2018 following the retirement of Terry Wilke. Bob had previously been Chaplain at Bishops from 1975 to 1980. He was a very dynamic preacher and in the short space of just over one year, made a huge impression on the school.

Father Monwabisi Peter came to Bishops in 2019 from St Andrews Prep in Grahamstown. He is married to Nokulunga, and they have two daughters. Monwabisi had the unique and difficult experience of being Chaplain during Covid, when indoor gatherings were not allowed, and he had to learn about online pastoral work.

In addition to these positions, there have been three Youth Pastors working at the Prep School: Michael Hampton, Justin Woolls and Lutho Tsotso. A number of the academic staff have been licensed to act as Lay Ministers in Chapel.