By Omega Dabale (Whetstone contributor)
Thanks to an alumnus’ passion for music, the Chapel and music department are getting a facelift.
“The money came from Joan Bennett because music had a positive impact on her life while she was a student and singer in the choir,†said Chris Woods, vice president for institutional advancement and the renovation’s project manager.
Renovations started during the summer when lighting, sound and projection systems were installed.
After Thanksgiving, pews will be removed and padded moveable chairs will be installed in their place; a new staging area will be built where the altar now is, raised six more feet.
Classroom space will get upgrades and disability accessibility ramps will be installed.
Renovations should be complete by next summer when the chapel roof is repaired.
Woods said the cost, up to $500,000, is all from Bennett’s donation. Renovations inside the chapel cost about $200,000, while $95,000 was spent on lighting, sound and projection systems. The roof renovation will cost about $200,000.
Hope Church donated $5,000.
New revisions for Wesley’s Chapel provided by Chris Wood
Campus minister Steve LaMotte said the building needed renovations and the recent development greatly improves the experience of having a chapel.
Associate professor of music Dr. James Wilson said the music department has been growing and the need for classroom space and storage was necessary.
“Hope Chapel uses it on Sundays and I am sure what is done is beneficial to both departments,†he said.
The equipment is for hire when it is not used by the music department or the church.
Two work-study students have been trained in the use of the equipment.
“Lighting wasn’t good, and constant distractions from classes next door during performance practices last year were disruptive, but we now have practice space upstairs and downstairs,†said sophomore Eugene Nelson.
Woods said that students will find it a good space in the future rather than the space constraints of Wells Theater.
“The most important thing for the students to know is that it is great to see and hear that the college made a positive impact on a former student’s from 50 years ago,†he said.
