Philip Harbridge

Philip is Chaplain & Interfaith Officer at Jesus College. His role is to be here for all students and staff, regardless of faith – or absence thereof. He’s available to talk through difficulties and problems, to give advice, to discuss deep theological questions, or just to chat over coffee. As a member of the Welfare Team, he’s also able to signpost people to other areas of support if necessary.

Prior to joining the College, Philip has worked at Millfield School in Somerset as the Senior School Chaplain, and as the College Chaplain Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he also achieved a First Class BA degree in Theology and Religious Studies. He has also been a qualified Solicitor.

Philip enjoys most sports, especially playing tennis (having represented his county and English Universities), football, and hockey. He also spends his spare time on photography, reading, (fringe) theatre and hiking, as well as writing, blogging, and journalism.

Do get in touch by email at chaplain@jesus.ox.ac.uk, or telephone (01865 279757).

Peter Parshall

Peter began playing the organ at school, before continuing his studies with David Saint at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, whilst a student at Westminster College, Oxford.

Having held church and cathedral posts in both Oxford and Dublin, he is now based in East Devon where he runs an organ teaching practice, and directs several choirs. Peter worked for the Royal School of Church music for many years, both in the UK and in Ireland, as an educator, examiner and facilitator, and was honoured recently with the award of Associate of the RSCM.

The founding Artistic Director of the South Wessex Organ Society, he is an Associate of the Royal College of Organists, and teaches the organ at St Swithun’s School in Winchester.

Peter is also an occasional composer, with works having been commissioned and recorded by choirs in the UK, Ireland and the USA. He is the co-editor of the choral anthology, Weddings for Choirs, published by Oxford University Press, and a contributor to the New Dictionary of National Biography also for OUP.

The Organ Scholars work as a team under the direction of Peter Parshall, the Director of Chapel Music. Alongside Peter, they help to organise and direct the music at Chapel services.

Himeno Niimi

Himeno is in her fourth year reading for a degree in French. She started learning the organ in sixth-form at Westminster School with Ben Bloor, having played the piano for 10 years. She also joined the chapel choir and was instantly drawn into the harmonies of church music. Holding a Grade 8 Distinction on the piano, Himeno looks forward to embracing all the opportunities at Oxford and re-energising the post-pandemic music community at Jesus College.

Conrad Spencer

Conrad joined Jesus College in October 2022. Starting his musical education on the piano, he began learning the organ at Reading School, regularly playing for services in the school chapel and local churches. He also plays the bassoon and has been a member of the National Youth Orchestra for the last three years. Conrad spent his gap year studying the Organ Foundation Course at the Royal Academy of Music in London before taking up the organ Scholarship at Jesus, since when he has been successful in the examinations of the Royal College of Organists, becoming an Associate of the College in 2024.

The Chapel Clerks are responsible for the day to day running of Chapel services – finding readers and people to lead prayers, setting up and tidying Chapel, and generally being helpful. They also enjoy perks including free Sunday Formals.