Chapel House

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Chapel House, a place of retreat nestled in the woods of Colgate University, welcomes students, faculty, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world and all religious traditions, or none. All are welcome.

Hours

The Meditation Space

Open 24 hours, seven days per week

The House 

Fall 2024 (as of Monday, September 23)*
9 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

*Closed October 12 through October 15 for Mid-Term Recess, and November 27 through November 29 for Thanksgiving Recess.
 

Opportunities for Colgate Students

Interested in working at Chapel House, or participating in Chapel House activities or programs? Please email Chapel House Program Assistant Jeff McArn at jmcarn@colgate.edu.

Individual Retreats

Chapel House is available for overnight retreat Monday-Sunday, dependent on staffing and room availability. For more information and to book a retreat, contact Kathy Keyes at kkeyes@colgate.edu  or 1-315-228-6087.

The Chapel of Chapel House

Personal Worship and Meditation

Stalls at the rear of the chapel make it possible for several people to be present simultaneously without disturbing each other. Two oratories provide privacy when the curtains are drawn.

Instead of pews, our chapel features individual chairs. This design choice was made so that a person can sit comfortably for long periods of time.

Flexibility

Our chapel has not been formally dedicated. It is consecrated by the worship of those who use it.

Because the space is intended for use by those of any religious background — or none — the Christian cross usually sits behind the reredos. Upon request the Christian cross can be placed on the reredos for specific meetings, prayers and events. This provides the space with the flexibility to serve all visitors, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Meditation Garden

The garden was completed in the spring of 2023 and is the newest addition to Chapel House

Library

Our library houses over 4,000 books on spirituality and world religions.

Dining Room

Guests gather for three vegetarian meals per day.

Guest Room

We hope guests enjoy a peaceful stay.

Music Room

Visitors are welcome to explore our extensive collection of spiritual and religious music.

Vision Statement

Chapel House has released a vision statement following a systematic review of comments, letters, e-mails, and feedback from several fora. The vision statement will guide the future of Chapel House.

View Vision Statement

About

Origins

In 1959, Chapel House was built on the Colgate campus with a gift from a donor who asked that her identity never be revealed.

Administration

Chapel House belongs to and is administered by Colgate University. It operates on endowment funds, which must cover expenses without requiring any help from other university funds.

Additional gifts toward its programs are welcome, but they must be anonymous, in keeping with the pattern set by the original donor.

Architecture

Chapel House opened its doors in 1959. The space was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, and is an example of late international-style modernism.

Staff

 

gfrank
Georgia Frank
Charles A. Dana Professor of Religion; Chair, Department of Religion; Interim Director of Chapel House and Director of the Fund for the Study of the Great Religions
301B Lawrence Hall
kkeyes
Kathleen (Kathy) Keyes
House Manager and Vegetarian Cook
Colgate University
jmccarthy1
Joan McCarthy
Chapel House Department Coordinator
Colgate University
jmcarn
Jeff McArn
Program Assistant
301B Lawrence Hall