Following World War II, it was proposed that a School Chapel be built as a memorial to Old Grammarians who lost their lives in that conflict, and in recognition of those who served in the forces. The Headmaster at the time, V. F. O. Francis, outlined the need for an Assembly Hall, and his view prevailed. The Memorial Great Hall was soon built; however, there still remained the need and desire for a Chapel.

The reality of a School Chapel was advanced by the purchase of the house site between the Art Centre and the northern end of Sandell Oval in Daniel Place, midway between and opposite McCartney Avenue and Mount Street. The house was demolished and the ground earmarked, without debate, for a Chapel and an attached Matriculation Study Centre.

On Saturday, 22 March 1969, Alfred Mellor, then Vice President of the School Council, presided over the dedication service, at which the President of the Baptist Union of Victoria, Reverend Professor B. S. Brown, planted a commemorative tree — a eucalypt which thrived almost immediately.

The dedication of the Chapel site was preceded, on Friday, 21 March 1969, by the official launching of the Onward Carey Development Project with a dinner in the Kew City Hall. Nearly 600 Old Grammarians, parents and friends of Carey attended. Eric Dunshea, Chairman of the Council and Chairman of the Project, was overseas, so Alfred Mellor, as Deputy Chairman of the School Council and Vice Chairman of the Project, presided. The target set was $400,000.

Mr. H. G. Stevens, as Campaign Chairman, was able to announce key gifts that had already been promised, totalling $116,000. These included $50,000 from the Mellor family, $20,000 from Mr. and Mrs. Dunshea, and $20,000 from an anonymous donor.

The December 1969 edition of Old Carey, in referring to the Onward Carey Campaign, stated:

“To make special mention of the work performed by Alfred Mellor does still not do justice or express appreciation adequately for what he has meant to Onward Carey. His leadership in all phases of the Campaign has been of immeasurable value and a great source of encouragement to Old Boys who have participated in the Appeal.”

The active part of the Campaign concluded at an informal buffet dinner at the New Burwood Reception Rooms on 8 July 1969, at which it was announced that the target figure of $400,000 had been achieved. It was also confirmed that the Chapel and Matriculation Study Centre had been approved and work commenced.

The William Carey Chapel was dedicated on Sunday, 1 August 1971 at 3.00 pm by the President of the Baptist Union of Victoria, the Reverend Merlyn Holly. 

It had taken 25 years to achieve.