Center for Spiritual Life

History

Construction site of chapelsConstruction begins on chapels

Building places for worship was part of first president Abram L. Sachar’s original vision (pdf) for the university. The chapels were conceived in the 1950s as part of the university’s first master plan. When the chapels were commissioned in 1952, the New York firm of Harrison & Abramovitz was asked to design them in addition to several other campus buildings. Back and forth with the architects, administrators and students led to the three chapels—one for Jews, one for Catholics, and one for Protestants. They were dedicated in 1955, rededicated in 1965, and renovated and rededicated in 2010.

Heralded at the time as representative of a multi-faith America and unity in the midst of diversity, the chapels still stand as they were built. Protestant, Catholic and Jewish services take place today in all of the chapels as well as in a range of classrooms and common areas across campus.

As campus demographics changed, a Muslim prayer space was created in another area of campus in 2004. It includes an Ablution Area as well as social space. More recently, a Dharmic prayer space for Buddhist, Hindu and Jain students was opened in what used to be a small campus art gallery. A prayer/meditation alcove was also designed during a building renovation in one of the graduate schools on campus.

Dedication of the chapelsDedication of chapels

Former campus Rabbi Elyse Winick reflects, “One could argue that sacred space is defined by the intention of its users, rather than the intention of its design. Yet the spare architectural details and simple decor of the three Chapels, along with other designated worship spaces on campus, direct your focus to heart of the experience: the soaring sound of voices raised in prayer.”

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