Chapel House

Chapel House, a place of retreat nestled in the woods of Colgate University, welcomes you to an experience of mindfulness and meditation, whether on an overnight stay or a drop-in visit.

All are welcome: students, faculty, staff, and visitors from our local community, or from all parts of the world, whether guided by any religious or spiritual tradition, or by your own unique exploration.

Student Opportunities

Interested in working at Chapel House, or participating in Chapel House activities or programs? Please email Chapel House Program Coordinator Jeff McArn at jmcarn@colgate.edu.

Individual Retreats

Chapel House is available for a 2-5-day overnight retreat; dates are dependent on staffing and room availability. For more information and to book a retreat, contact House Manager and Vegetarian Cook, Kathy Keyes, at kkeyes@colgate.edu  or 1-315-228-6087.

The Chapel of Chapel House

Private Meditation & Prayer

The Meditation Hall is open 24 hours a day, every day, for use at any time. It features stalls at the rear of the hall, allowing several people to be present simultaneously without disturbing one another. Additionally, two oratories provide privacy when the curtains are drawn: one with a Muslim prayer rug, facing toward Mecca, the other with a crucifix and a prayer kneeler.

Instead of pews, our Meditation Hall features individual cushioned chairs. This design choice was made to allow a person to sit comfortably for long periods of time.

The Meditation Hall is not meant to prioritize any particular faith tradition or ritual practice, but to provide a flexible location for many different forms of religious, spiritual, and meditative engagement. Symbols and other materials can be brought into the space for specific occasions.

Inter-Religious Library, Music Collection & Art Works

Our Retreat House offers a substantial collection of books, music, artworks, and artifacts representing the world's major religious traditions. The objects do not circulate, but they will enhance your visit to Chapel House, and your spiritual exploration. View our library's book collection.

Staff

 

Professor of Religious Pluralism in the Department of Religion; Director of Chapel House
Program Coordinator for Chapel House and Great Religions Fund
House Manager and Vegetarian Cook
Chapel House Department Coordinator

Vision Statement

Chapel House has released a vision statement following a systematic review of comments, letters, e-mails, and feedback from several fora. The vision statement will guide the future of Chapel House.

View Vision Statement

About

In 1959, Chapel House was built on the Colgate campus with a gift from a donor who asked that her identity never be revealed.

Chapel House belongs to and is administered by Colgate University. It operates on endowment funds, which must cover expenses without requiring any help from other university funds.

Additional gifts toward its programs are welcome, but they must be anonymous, in keeping with the pattern set by the original donor.

Chapel House opened its doors in 1959. The space was designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, and is an example of late international-style modernism.