University of Memphis students can soon enjoy a new spiritual experience on campus thanks to the Wesley Foundation. Over the last eight months, members of the organization have been renovating the old chapel into a multi-room worship facility.
The new chapel has eight rooms, all with different themes, which offer an individual the chance to choose what type of setting they wish to use while praying or reflecting.
Justin Allen, the Wesley Foundation director, was pleased with all the hard work everyone did to make the project a success.
“We wanted to create a place where people of all faiths could come and reflect and worship,” he said.
“The new chapel offers you a chance to worship or relax in all sorts of settings, and if you just want to come and relax while listening to soothing music and the waterfall, then that’s available too.”
Members of the foundation started working on the project last fall and have slowly been adding new items to the different rooms as the year continued. This past summer the bulk of the work was completed, and the finishing touches were added just last week.
U of M students Caroline Averitt and Rebecca Wood designed the new chapel. They set out wanting to create a place where anyone could come and feel comfortable worshiping.
“Everyone connects with God differently,” Wood said. “So we wanted our chapel to reflect that and offer alternative ways for people to have a spiritual experience.”
The new chapel is straying from the traditional setting of worship.
After walking through the door you can choose from an arrangement of music and books to use during your time, and then you can pick which room you want to use. The rooms vary from a nature room with waterfall, to an art room where you are encouraged to express your feelings through painting and sculpting. There is still a traditional room with pews and an altar for those who prefer that layout.
The Wesley Foundation is connected with the United Methodist Church and has about 40 to 45 students involved in their programs. They are hoping the new chapel will allow others to become more involved with the foundation.
“This is something you’ve never seen before, definitely the only New Age type of experience you can have here on campus,” Allen said. “We hope all students will feel free to come by and use this for prayer, reflection, or just to wind down if they wish.”
The students who were involved with the renovations are happy with the results and can’t wait for the public to see the fruits of their labor. Sophomore Jason Richards said he loves the work they did.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “It’s awesome.
“I love sitting in there watching the water and listening to the music. I’m glad I was able to help out with it.”
A dedication service for the new chapel will be held tonight at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to attend.
Refreshments will be served afterwards. Call the Wesley Foundation for more information.
