University of Chicago - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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X t 1329 CAP f nD couin ( Kxiiuiiiu ' iiw 111 ' Tin; t ' liAi ' ii, The University Chapel It is especially significant that the University Board of Social Service and Religion, which is officially responsible for the program in the Chapel, is com- posed equally of students and faculty representatives. This Board throws ligh: on the hope of the donor that the Chapel would symbolize tlie permeation of all the life and work of the University In- what he called in his memorable letter of gift the spirit of religion. The Board has general oversight of th supported by the Universitw It is compost the Vice-President, the Recorder, and the Faculty . . H. Co. ri ' Tox, Cliainiiaii Sii.MLKR M.- TIIEWS, Vicc-Chainiiun V-. S. A.MES . lgernon Coleman Ruth Emerson F.DiTii Foster Flint T, y. S [ITI I). II, ,Sti:vi:.vs The F,xecuti e Uiik ' crsity Cluif rl. Oflicer of tlu -Sunday services and other services of the President of the University, llowing appointed members : Stiideiitx Alice Benning Jane Mullenbacii M I N OTT .StI C K N E Y Russell Whitney (Undcrijraduatcs) Leslie Blanc hard . llen Heald Lucia Jordan Kenneth Rousk (dradualrs ) Charles W. Gilkev, ni f the Page Txrcniy-fivc W I

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g) 1929 CAP f nV GOVLJtl (S The Ueiversity Chsipel Thanks to the genius of a great architect, the hope of the founder of the University that the Chapel provided for in his final gift might be the central and dominant feature of the University group, has been conspicuously fulfilled. The architects who come from far and near to see the Chapel pronounce it one of the great buildings of the nation, and the thousands who have visited it since its dedication last October seem to sense half-consciously the truth of this estimate. Though the novelty and curiosity of the first week, when people were turned away regularly from its services, has now passed, the Chapel con- tinues to be well filled twice each .Sunday. The attendance at the daily periods of organ music late each afternoon has meanwhile nearly doubled. It is plainly evident, therefore, that the Chapel is already one of the closest and strongest bonds between the life of the University on one hand, and that of the com- munity and city on the other. Meanwhile, the natural question whether this large attendance indicates any- thing as to the attitude of the University community itself toward the things for which the Chapel stands, finds partial answer in the steadily increasing use of the seats reserved for students at all services. There is also a perceptible tendency toward a more regular attendance on the part of many members of the faculty. Perhaps the most significant of all, however, is the very large share which the Chapel Council has had in all the developments centering around the Chapel. This group of prominent upper-class men and women has not only carried the considerable burden of guiding hundreds of visitors through the building during the Autumn Quarter, but has had a large part in the formation of the entire program for the Chapel. This program, for which there are no real precedents in the experience of this or indeed of any other university, is in a true sense a cooperative experiment and adventure. The active participation in it of so many of the students and faculty of the University is ;ni inipoi ' tanl clenK ' nt in .-my fstim;itc of its prospects. h ' atje Twenty-four

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) 1929 CAPHriD courn ( Idl mL ,:I. ' 1 Intkrior View of ' ihk Chapel n The University Chapel The University Chapel, the last gift of John D. Rockefeller to the University was dedicated Octoher 28, 1928. At the same time the Reverend Doctor Charles Whitney Gilkey was installed as Dean. The founder of the University was represented by his son, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and there was a large congre- gation of Trustees, Faculty, students, alumni and friends of the University. The sheer beauty of the building, the glorious music of the choir, the ringing sincerity of the speakers, and the heartiness of the people ' s response to the dedicatory sentences — all combined to make it an unforgettable hour. The Chapel was the last work of Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue of New York- City. He died before his work was even started, that is, the actual building. The Chapel is not copied from any of the old world cathedrals but is an original creative work. The colossal scale upon which it is built is equalled by only two or three Gothic buildings in the world, and gives to the exterior a feeling of tranquility and simplicity, combined with e.xtraordinary power. The exterior is very richly adorned with sculpture. The great figures on the gable toward the South represent the March of Religion from the days of Abraham to the Reformation. Each doorway is beautifully adorned with sculpture dealing both with ancient and modern subjects. One interesting figure is that of the archi- tect, himself, holding in his hands a nKidc] ni the Chapel. He symbolizes Architecture. t ' ai e Twcnty-sii