Chapel renovation brings new spaces to campus

After nearly a year of construction, renovations to Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation are nearing completion. The expected April opening date will add new offices for campus ministry and a gathering space at the heart of campus.

Until this project began, the chapel had yet to see any renovations since its construction in 1981. As Augustana modernizes its campus with upgrades to athletic facilities, dormitories and academic buildings, it felt natural that the chapel would follow suit. 

Ann Rosendale, senior university pastor, said the project had been in the works long before construction began. 

“We started talking about this project during COVID, so I mean it's been a five, six-year-long project,” she said. 

Rosendale added that even during renovations, the chapel remained a place of service, central to Augustana's identity.

“If we call it the heart of campus, then it is right and good that we improve the chapel,” she said.  

The gathering space is one of the main additions included in the renovation. The area was created to host a variety of social gatherings and other events.

“We’ve never really had space for programming in the chapel,” Rosendale said. 

Associate Campus Pastor Shawna Day said this new space will allow student organizations to host meetings, receptions and other campus events. 

“I think it will give them an opportunity to gather to create new ideas,” Day said.

Freshman Bayley Steiner is excited for the renovations.

“More space and more convenience will make things easier, and I am looking forward to experiencing the chapel in different ways,” Steiner said. 

He added that the chapel is an important part of his daily routine. 

“It motivates and fuels me for the start of my day,” Steiner said. “The chapel brings together an encouraging group that continues to push me to grow my faith.”

In the heart of the gathering space, there is a labyrinth built into the floor. The idea behind the labyrinth is a quiet space that allows for reflection, meditation or prayer. 

“It is one path that brings you to the center of the labyrinth and then leads you back out,” Rosendale said. “As you walk, you can think about the way that life twists and turns, and you can think about the decisions that you have to make.” 

The path guides an individual toward the center, then back out into service to the world. Rosendale hopes that the chapel is able to open this space up at various times throughout the semester, giving students and faculty an opportunity to walk the labyrinth and reflect while quiet music plays in the background. Walking the labyrinth is meant to encourage reflection, specifically around ideas of journey and vocation.  

Along with the major renovations happening to the chapel, a new bell tower will be built. The tower will be located between the Morrison Commons and the chapel. 

“We've talked about it as bringing together the hub of campus, which is the Morrison Commons, with the heart of campus, which is the chapel,” Rosendale said. “It will facilitate more natural connections between these two important places on campus, and I think that will be meaningful for students.”  

The patio area surrounding the chapel will also be redone later in the spring and early summer, creating an additional location for students to gather between classes or to relax.  

Rosendale said that the new space is not just for the campus but for the community as well. 

“This is a space that serves everyone, and I really want people to know that all are truly welcome here,” Rosendale said.