The Chapel
From Duke Wiki
 The Chapel rises majestically; the tallest structure on campus. | |
| Built | 1935 |
|---|---|
| Style | Gothic |
| Architect | Julian Abele |
| Capacity | 1600 |
| Location | West Campus |
| Website | http://www.chapel.duke.edu/home |
The Chapel, located at the heart of the campus, is an ecumenical Christian chapel and the center of faith at Duke.
[edit] History of the Chapel
The Chapel has strong historical connections to the United Methodist Church. Constructed from 1930 to 1935, the Chapel seats about 1,600 people and stands 210-feet (64 m) tall. Not only does this height make it the tallest structure at Duke, it makes the Chapel one of the tallest buildings in Durham County. It utilizes neo-Gothic architecture - apparent from its large stones, pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ribbed valuts - in the English style.[1] It also has a 50-bell carillon and 5,200-pipe organ.
James B. Duke chose to place the Chapel on the West Campus's highest ridge. The design for the campus began in 1925, but the construction of the chapel did not begin until 1930. Its $2.3 million construction took five years. Stained-glass windows and other details were installed at a later date.[2]
The chapel was designed by Julian Abele, one of the first prominent African American architects in the United States.
[edit] References
- ↑ Duke Chapel Architecture. Friends of Duke Chapel. URL accessed 18 June 2006.
- ↑ Duke Chapel History. Friends of Duke Chapel. URL accessed 18 June 2006.
