The University Chapel – which was built between 1884-1890 – was the first building constructed on Grounds exclusively for religious worship. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the chapel typically hosted hundreds of events annually.
The last comprehensive renovation of the chapel was in the 1950s, with several smaller upgrades completed over the years, including recent exterior improvements by Construction & Renovation Services (C&RS) and Central Grounds Zone Maintenance.
In the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021, C&RS historic masons replaced or restored the mortar between the sandstone blocks in the chapel’s exterior stone walls as part of an effort to protect the building from water intrusion. The masons removed cement mortar which had been installed over the years, replacing it with more permeable lime mortar which was used in the original construction, according to Assistant Director for Trades Wayne Mays.
While the scaffolding was in place, the team identified additional needed repairs including a broken piece of the wooden bell-rope wheel, which was formerly used to ring the chapel’s bell. Central Grounds Zone carpenters repaired the wooden wheel while the historic masons waxed the bell itself with a protective coating.
Planning is underway for a future interior renovation to improve user experience and safety of the chapel.
Historic Mason Robbie Kolb waxes the chapel’s bell with a protective coating. Historic Masons Tim Proffitt and Robbie Kolb. (Photos by Jane Centofante / User Experience & Engagement)