The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Dewald Chapel

Click on image titles for larger views.

Institution Name: Mount Union College
Original/Historic Place Name: Dewald Chapel
Location on Campus: NW end of campus
Date(s) of Construction:

1999	original construction The Collaborative Inc.

Designer: The Collaborative Inc.
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Contemporary (Glossary)
Significance: education, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: concrete slab

Walls: brick

Roof: dimensional asphalt shingle

Function:

1999-present (2006)

chapel

Narrative:
The first free-standing Chapel in Mount Union College history, the Dewald Chapel, built in 1999, was made possible by a lead gift from Dr. Donald and Mrs. Eleanore (Iman, '38) Dewald. The Chapel includes a sanctuary, 24-hour meditation room, and conference and meeting rooms for religious life programs and offices.

Mount Union has long been affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is grounded in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The Chapel now serves as the center of religious life on campus, hosting a number of weekly religious services and prayer groups, as well as small group meetings and special events. The Chapel is now home to the many religious life organizations on campus, including numerous denominational groups, a praise band and gospel choir, and bible study and prayer meetings.

In addition, the Chapel is home to the Mount Union Volunteer Network and many service-oriented organizations on campus. Annual service projects at Mount Union number well in the 100s. Special service days throughout the year include Make a Difference Day, Dance Marathon, National Youth Service Day, the Oxfam America Dining Hall Fast, Spring Break Work Trips, Homeless in the Quad, and many more.

References:

Osborne, Newell Yost. A Select School: The History of Mount Union College and an Account of a Unique Educational Experiment, Scio College. Alliance, OH: Mount Union College, 1967.

Saffell, John E. Wake the Echoes: An Updated History of Mount Union College. Alliance, OH: Mount Union College, 1996.