A Chapel for All and Future Ages
Image
While June is a busy month for weddings, repairs and upgrades to the University Chapel had to come first. Renovations are underway to prepare the chapel for many future weddings and other events to come. Relax a little, plan ahead, and take a look at the plans for the newly renovated space made possible by ongoing and generous support.
Designed by Baltimore architect Charles Emmet Cassell, and funded by the Ladies Chapel Aid Society, the University Chapel was constructed between 1884 and 1890. The chapel was the first structure on Grounds dedicated solely to nondenominational worship and the last to be constructed in the Romantic styles that had held sway since just before the Civil War. Today, the chapel is popular for weddings, funerals, Final Exercises diploma ceremonies, and many student activities. The sounds of a cappella singing are commonly heard there in the evenings.
SOUND QUALITY
New hearing loop technology has been installed to improve the sound quality for those with hearing aids. New speakers are being installed to improve the audio quality in general. The decorative organ pipes also are being restored. Generous support from the UVA community is helping to cover the costs to make these improvements.
INTERIOR REPAIRS
With future support, efforts will include restoring pews and renovations to the floors. The cork floor tiles will be removed and the heart pine hardwood floors beneath will be restored.
EXTERNAL REPAIRS
Thanks to philanthropic support, the University repointed the stone walls and installed fountain drains and gutters. Foundation repairs also required redirecting water from a stream associated with the live rock ledge on which the chapel sits. The majority of the exterior masonry repairs were completed by the University’s historic preservation masons.
With gifts from alumni, parents, and friends, a major interior renovation has been launched that will improve visitors’ experience and safety. To learn more about giving to the University Chapel project, contact Jake Pittman, associate director of development, at 434-964-6510 or jsp4yc@virginia.edu.