Why is Chapel important?
Chapel is central to who we are as a University. What happens within those walls transcends the physical setting or allotted minutes. Decisions are made that transform our lives, our campus and the world we each encounter. It is an opportunity to worship God and to seek His presence in our lives. It is an opportunity to learn from God’s Holy Word, and to communicate our needs to Him in prayer — TOGETHER. It is an opportunity to gather together as a community and declare that we find our purpose and meaning only in the center of God’s plan for our lives.
Why do we need a new Chapel?
Chalfant Hall was built in 1963 to accommodate seating for 1800 at a time when Olivet’s undergraduate enrollment was 1580. Today’s undergraduate enrollment exceeds 2,600.
Even with 25 percent of the student body missing each service, Chalfant Hall continues to have its limitations. Rows of chairs are tightly crammed to accommodate overflow crowds. Because of the lack of space between rows of chairs, it is not uncommon for students to have to stand on chairs just to make their way to the aisle and step toward the altar.
Chalfant Hall has served us well for the past four decades and will continue to be useful for other purposes. However, to accommodate our mission and the size of our student body, we must construct a facility that will meet our space needs.
Rather than constructing a new Chapel, why not consider multiple Chapel services?
Currently, Olivet employs a rotating schedule where students are assigned to two of the three Chapel services held each week.
This “band-aid” solution addressed the spaces limitations, but left the University with a bigger concern. We rejoice when there is a Chapel speaker who makes a real connection with the students, or when there is an awe-inspiring and life-changing move of the Holy Spirit. Yet each time this happens, there is a certain degree of regret that the entire community is not there for the experience.
In any given service, 25 percent of the students are not there. Even if the next day’s Chapel were to have the exact same speaker and agenda, those special moments — those brief instances where profound transformation occurs — can never be recreated.
When will construction on the new chapel begin?
Construction on the new chapel will begin when the entire project is underwritten and half of these funds are in hand.
Where will the new chapel be located?
The new Chapel will be located on University Avenue, approximately half-way between College Church of the Nazarene and Ward Field. The building will be oriented so that its entrance will be clearly visible while standing in the Decker Quadrangle or from the steps of Benner Library.
With all the University’s pressing needs, should a new Chapel be our top priority?
We have spent much time in prayer, seeking God’s direction for the future of our University. We believe Chapel must remain central to the Olivet Experience, and in order to do so, we must construct a new facility. Time and time again, God has confirmed He is paving the way before us, and we are trusting that it is He who will ultimately provide the means to construct the new Chapel.
However, when talking about the Chapel versus other University needs, it is not an “either/or” discussion. Just because the Chapel is built does not mean that other things can’t be done. The Chapel campaign, Promises to Keep, is intended to raise funds that will go above and beyond normal operating costs and capital expenditures. In the past three years, the University has spent nearly $24 million in ongoing campus renewal, the renovation of current residential halls and academic facilities, and many other capital improvements and campus expansions.
Will my gifts to the Friends of Olivet Annual Giving fund be used towards the Chapel?
No, unless you specifically indicate otherwise, all gifts you make through Friends of Olivet go directly toward student scholarships. We also feel strongly that tuition should not be increased in order to cover the cost of construction projects. That’s why it’s important that our alumni and friends assist ONU in raising funds above and beyond Friends of Olivet for capital projects, such as the new Chapel.
Why does this Chapel cost so much?
The new Chapel will be a very large building — in fact, with the largest seating capacity in Kankakee County — in order accommodate the entire student body. The construction cost per square foot is right in line with commercial building costs in our area. The University has conducted two rounds of "value-engineering" to make sure we are getting the best building for the best dollar.
If you have additional questions regarding Olivet or the initiative to build a new Chapel at Olivet, please e-mail us at lnixon@olivet.edu.
You may also contact Brian Allen, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at ballen@olivet.edu or by phone at 815-939-5255.
It would be most helpful if when e-mailing you include in the subject line “A Question about Chapel at Olivet.”
Thank you!