This summer the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel will undergo a refresh. Since its completion in 1993, the Chapel has served as a campus icon and Gordon’s largest gathering space. As the home of Chapel services, annual student events like the Gordon Globes, the Christmas Galas and the last place seniors gather the night before graduation, our Chapel continues to serve as a central space for spiritual and communal life.  

It’s with these events and gatherings in mind that Gordon is revealing exciting new updates for the interior of the Chapel, featuring a refreshed look and upgraded technology. Here are four things we’re excited to see in this upcoming renovation.

1. Unblocked Views of the Stage 

If you close your eyes and picture the view from your favorite seat in Chapel, one of the first stage elements you visualize may be the projection screen. It’s the place we all look for lyrics to a new song or words to a communal reading. It is also the only screen in the Chapel—until now. By introducing two LED screens to the walls on either side of the stage, views of the Chapel’s cross and historic stained-glass windows will be fully unobstructed for the first time.  

These beautiful windows boast bright reds and greens and have graced both of Gordon’s chapels—the A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel and the earlier Prince Chapel—for many years, but their history dates back much further. Initially brought from Europe by Frederick Prince, a Tartan article from November 8, 1957, noted that "the rare stained-glass windows featured in the chancel [of Prince Chapel] are from a medieval church built between the tenth and fourteenth centuries.” While the projector screen will still be available for use, these inspiring pieces of medieval art will now be on full display. 

Before and after views of the Chapel from the balcony. 

2. Lighter and Brighter 

From the candlelight of Catacombs to the stage lights of Golden Goose, the Chapel’s lighting was designed and improved over the years to help make the space multipurpose. The lighting chosen for the upcoming renovation will kick that up a notch. Offering an overall brighter experience, the upgrades will include recessed lighting, new multicolor “wash lights” on the sidewalls and state-of-the-art stage lighting.  

This system will also be significantly more energy efficient. As part of Gordon’s commitment to creation care and sustainability, the new lights will reduce the Chapel’s energy usage by up to 70 percent! 

3. Accessible Seating  

The Chapel pews have been well-loved by Gordon students and alumni for over three decades—and they're showing it. To honor their legacy new seating will be installed that maintains the pews’ overall look and feel, with warm wood tones and blue upholstery, while allowing for better accessibility and greater row capacity.  

The new seating aligns with Americans with Disabilities Act standards and offers wider inter-row space, allowing for easier movement in and out of each row. Additional seating will also be added to the lower level by moving and reducing the size of the sound board. 

4. A Refreshed Lobby 

With new carpet, brighter lighting and fresh paint, the Chapel Lobby will also receive some cosmetic upgrades. New furniture will be added to create a more natural gathering place. Additional details are forthcoming; students have been invited to submit their creative ideas for making the lobby an inviting, inspiring and welcoming space.

Before and after views of the Chapel Lobby.

Stay Tuned... 

Set to begin over the summer, this renovation project was fully funded by a generous, philanthropic donation of $3 million. The donor approached Gordon to offer this tangible gift that aligns with our commitment to Christian discipleship and spiritual growth. Together Gordon and the donor explored ways to bring a more engaging community experience to campus, including enhancements to the Chapel. 

As the largest gathering place on campus, this investment will ensure our Chapel continues to be a place for worship, a celebration of the arts and a communal space for campus events for many years to come. We’ll be sharing updates of the progress across our social media channels. Plan a fall visit to campus when the project is complete to come see the new look for yourself!