The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Schaller Memorial Chapel

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Schaller Memorial Chapel, Buena Vista University

Institution Name: Buena Vista University
Original/Historic Place Name: Schaller Memorial Chapel
Location on Campus: Fourth St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1963	dedication in May Beuttler, William

Designer: William Beuttler (Sioux City, IA)
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Colonial revival (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: cement block

Walls: red brick and limestone

Roof: asphalt shingles

Function:

ca. 1963-present (2006)	theater (also used for campus meetings and special events)
ca. 1963-present (2006)	chapel

Narrative:
Schaller Chapel, which was dedicated in 1963, adjoins Dixon-Eilers Hall and is named for George J Schaller, a long time member of the Buena Vista's board of trustees. Schaller plays an important role in the undergraduate life of the campus. It serves as an auditorium, theater, and chapel. It also hosts weekly chapel services and special events such as the Baccalaureate and Founder's Day, as well as most events in the Academic and Culture Events Series (ACES). There is a small meditation chapel on the lower level. The building features a Hansen Organ, a three manual Reuter pipe organ with 2048 pipes, and the chapel spire, which is a campus landmark.

References:

Cumberland, William H. History of Buena Vista College. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1991.

Dober, Lidsky, Craig and Associates. Buena Vista University Campus Plan. [Belmont, MA: Dober, Lidsky, Craig and Associates], 1999.