Chapel House, a place of retreat nestled in the woods of аIJʿª½±½á¹û, welcomes students, faculty, staff, and visitors from all parts of the world and all religious traditions, or none. All are welcome.
Hours
The Chapel
Open 24 hours, seven days per week.
The House
Spring and Summer 2024
Noon – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday*
Closed Saturday and Sunday**
*Closed June 19 for Juneteenth holiday, July 4 & July 5 for Independence Day holiday, and September 2 for Labor Day holiday.
**Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, May 18 (Commencement Weekend) and Saturday, June 1 (Reunion Weekend)
Opportunities for аIJʿª½±½á¹û Students
Interested in working at Chapel House, or participating in Chapel House activities or programs? Please email Chapel House Program Assistant 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](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2019-08/072817_Chapel_House_MDD_111832_2.jpg?itok=0lhUGwMk)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2023-09/Meditation%20Garden.jpg?itok=BZ8zZWd-)
The garden was completed in the spring of 2023 and is the newest addition to Chapel House
![](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2022-12/ChapelHouseLibrary2Small.jpg?itok=xMlCWGXK)
Our library houses over 4,000 books on spirituality and world religions.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2022-12/ChapelHouseDiningRoomSmall.jpg?itok=89-zBo_Z)
Guests gather for three vegetarian meals per day.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2022-12/ChapelHouseGuestRoomSmall.jpg?itok=L-VzHBV5)
We hope guests enjoy a peaceful stay.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2022-12/ChapelHouseMusicRoom2Small.jpg?itok=EIKBhf44)
Visitors are welcome to explore our extensive collection of spiritual and religious music.
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.
аIJʿª½±½á¹û
Origins
In 1959, Chapel House was built on the аIJʿª½±½á¹û campus with a gift from a donor who asked that her identity never be revealed.
Administration
Chapel House belongs to and is administered by аIJʿª½±½á¹û. 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.
Architecture
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.
Staff