Chapel House

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Chapel House, a place of retreat nestled in the woods of Colgate University, welcomes students, faculty, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world and all religious traditions, or none. All are welcome.

Labyrinth

Walk our reinstalled labyrinth (Mondays–Saturdays) during the semester.

Japanese Meditation Garden

Experience serenity in the new meditation garden.

Dining Room

Gather for meals and special events to mingle with other visitors. 

Meditation Hall

Join group meditations weekday mornings and afternoons when classes are in session.

Music Room

Listen to our extensive collection of spiritual music while relaxing.

Guest Room

Enjoy a peaceful and rejuvenating stay while on retreat.

Library

Explore over 4,000 books on spirituality and world religions.

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 overnight retreat Monday-Sunday, dependent on staffing and room availability. For more information and to book a retreat, contact Kathy Keyes at kkeyes@colgate.edu  or 1-315-228-6087.

The Chapel of Chapel House

Personal Worship and Meditation

Stalls at the rear of the chapel make it possible for several people to be present simultaneously without disturbing each other. Two oratories provide privacy when the curtains are drawn.

Instead of pews, our chapel features individual chairs. This design choice was made so that a person can sit comfortably for long periods of time.

Flexibility

Our chapel has not been formally dedicated. It is consecrated by the worship of those who use it.

Because the space is intended for use by those of any religious background — or none — the Christian cross usually sits behind the reredos. Upon request the Christian cross can be placed on the reredos for specific meetings, prayers and events. This provides the space with the flexibility to serve all visitors, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Staff

 

gfrank
Georgia Frank
Professor of Religious Pluralism and Professor of Religion; Director of Chapel House and and Director of the Fund for the Study of the Great Religions
301B Lawrence Hall
jmcarn
Jeff McArn
Program Coordinator for Chapel House and Great Religions Fund
13 Oak Drive
kkeyes
Kathleen (Kathy) Keyes
House Manager and Vegetarian Cook
Colgate University
jmccarthy1
Joan McCarthy
Chapel House Department Coordinator
Colgate University

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.

 

Colgate Maroon-News

Watch Georgia Frank's remarks to the Class of 2028 (starting at time 57:30).

Read our Chapel House Spring 2025 newsletter.