On Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m., Union University hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new chapel on the north lawn of the G. M. Savage Memorial Chapel to mark the beginning of a major campus renovation plan, followed by a reception.
The ceremony opened with worship led by students from the UU Worship team, followed by a welcome from Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver.
After the completion of the Logos in 2015, Oliver said the idea for a new worship space began to take shape.
“When we finished it, one of the things that really was on our hearts was that we should have a worship space as beautiful as our learning space,” Oliver said.
Oliver added that the chapel is intended to serve as a visible statement of Union’s identity to those who pass by campus.
“You know, what if we were to declare that we’re gonna be for Christ, now and forevermore?” Oliver said.
Justin Wainscott, associate dean of the School of Theology and Missions, explained the significance of the space for spiritual life on campus.
“It gives us a place where we can hear God’s word, where we can be formed and shaped,” Wainscott said. “We want it to be as beautiful and as fitting of a space to honor God and hear from Him as we can build and make.”
Oliver also emphasized the hope that the space will draw people in.
“I’m hopeful that it will be a place that draws people to just how great God is, even by just looking at it and walking in,” Oliver said.
After remarks, attendees heard scripture reading and prayers over the endeavor before the ceremonial groundbreaking. The event concluded with additional remarks from Oliver and a closing performance of “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.”
Senior worship leadership major Ashtyn Delk said the new space reflects Union’s Christ-centered value and sense of unity.
“I feel like Union is a family and not just different people coming to school or going to college, but it’s a body of believers, united under one purpose,” Delk said.
