Chapel of Reconciliation unveils new look after $4.4 million renovation

Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation has taken on a new look this year with a renovated worship space, an additional gathering space and office updates to bring a new, fresh look to campus.

The renovations are part of the Viking Bold facilities enhancements project. Ann Rosendale, senior pastor and vice president for mission integration, said the chapel is an important part of campus. 

“We made it a priority in phase two of Viking Bold to get this done to renovate and expand the chapel to be more inviting, to be more welcoming, to accommodate the growing number of people who want to use the space for all sorts of things,” Rosendale said.

The project features updates to the sanctuary, new windows, flooring, lighting and a sound system. The chapel was also expanded to include the Torness Rasmussen Plaza and the Jerstad and Lindberg Gathering Place, which has become one of the most used parts of the renovation. 

Paul Rasmussen, director of development and planned giving, said the $4.4 million project was funded entirely by donors.

According to student chapel president John Mortrude, the Gathering Place has already become a popular space for students and organizations.

“The new gathering place has been used a lot,” Mortrude said. “Other student groups have student-led ministry events here.”

The space has been used for Bible studies, classes and other campus activities. It was also used recently by a nursing class for their CPR training and testing.

Macee Bortnem, manager of the Augustana Choir, said they chose the gathering space for a lock-in because it could fit the 45-member choir without feeling too crowded. Bortnem said the new space worked well for the various activities she had planned to bring the choir together.

Rosendale said the renovation was influenced, in part, by feedback from students. She said students had talked for years about wanting more windows in the chapel and a space that felt more open.

The new windows are one of the most noticeable changes to the sanctuary.

“The other thing that we hear about every day are the windows in the sanctuary and what a gift the natural light is, and how bright and welcoming the space is in the sanctuary where we worship,” Rosendale said.

Junior Liam Schick has also enjoyed the natural light in the Chapel.

“Since attending Chapel, I’ve enjoyed the windows and the light they bring during worship,” he said. “I think that reflects the nature of God and the meaning of our worship.” 

Junior Kylie Lattimer said she was glad that many elements remained the same, including the artwork, the pews and the altar.

“I think that helps embrace the traditional past of this Chapel,” Lattimer said.

The chapel renovations also brought new elements to the space.

The reredos at the chapel entrance was newly installed as part of the project. The artwork was created by Augustana art professor Bob Alden for the 1961 International Luther League convention in Miami Beach, Florida. Rosendale explained that the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the convention in front of the artwork.

Rosendale said the artwork was given to Augustana but placed in storage in 1981. Six of the 14 panels are restored and hang on the wall near the entrance.

The renovations also added a labyrinth to the floor of the Gathering Place, which Rosendale said can be used as a prayer or meditation tool.

“You don’t have to be Christian to walk a labyrinth,” she said. “It’s open to anyone.”

For Mortrude, the renovated chapel has become a place to step away from the chaos of campus.

“It’s a place where I can find rest in the middle of the day,” he said. “There’s space to sit down and study that’s not in the library, and it's just a calming place for me.”

But the project is not yet finished. The addition of the chapel’s bell tower was delayed after construction took longer than intended. Rasmussen said the bell tower is expected to be completed in November and will stand 48 feet tall with eight bells.

“It’s a very unique design and the fabrication of that design is going to take longer than expected, but we’re excited to bring that new element to campus,” Rasmussen said. 

Both Rosendale and Mortrude said they hope students will continue to view the chapel as a space that belongs to them.

“The chapel’s at the center of campus for a reason, and I just love seeing it grow and evolve,” Mortrude said.