Protestant Chapel
Harlan Chapel is Brandeis’ Protestant Christian chapel. It was named in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan who cast the only dissenting vote in the historic Ferguson v. Plessy decision that established separate but equal.
All are welcome here for peaceful reflection and spiritual exploration. Several Christian student groups meet regularly in the chapel. Outside of these meetings and special events, the space is open to everyone.
Located on Chapels Pond, adjacent to Chapels Field, the chapel is automatically open to all Brandeis students via swipe access during the academic year. Staff, faculty, and summer students can request access by emailing slife@brandeis.edu. The chapel is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Available resources:
- Bibles, hymnals, and other prayer materials
- Upright piano
- Bean bag cushions and blankets
Please observe the following policies while in Harlan Chapel:
- Please help us maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere by avoiding loud music or phone calls so others can reflect or pray in stillness.
- Bibles and other prayer materials are available for use while in the chapel. Please do not remove them from the space.
- You’re welcome to play the piano! Just be sure to close the cover afterward and keep food and drinks away.
- The altar is used during services and is considered sacred. It is not to be used as a table, and no items should be placed on it outside of services.
- If you move chairs, please return them to their original position after use.
- Labeled supplies in the back room are for student organizations or Spiritual Life staff; please leave them for their use.
- Absolutely no unsealed food may be left in the chapel. Please avoid disposing of food trash in the chapel, as trash is not removed on a daily basis. Events wishing to serve food may be required to arrange Custodial Services in order to ensure adequate trash removal.
- If you discover that the trash bins are overflowing, please dispose of your trash in another location, place a Facilities Work Order, or notify slife@brandeis.edu as a last resort.
- If you would like to hold a student event in Harlan Chapel, please contact slife@brandeis.edu to discuss the possibility. Unauthorized events are not permitted, and may result in revocation of access. Small prayer groups may meet in the space without official reservation, but acknowledge that priority will be given to another group if a reservation is made.
Questions? Email slife@brandeis.edu. We’re so glad you’re here.