The Chapel is changing! For some this will be a bit sad but for others it will open the space for new uses and more flexibility. I myself am a bit in both camps. My own theology leans to the liberal side but I have a heart for traditional worship. I like organ and hymns and a preacher in the pulpit. I like liturgy.
As much as I love the traditional arrangement of Snidow Chapel, it is time for the organ and the chancel (raised area up the three steps at the front) to have a renovation. Our organ, Reuter Opus #1548, was built in 1967, and this summer we will be adding stops, unifying wind chests, and replacing leather. I have learned quite a bit about our organ in the last 6 months. The Snidow organ was built in the American Eclectic style which seems to be about right for a Disciples of Christ School. It has 3 manuals and 39 ranks. Our college organist, Johnson Scott, can explain all of it to anyone who speaks “organ.”
The organ console (keyboards) will now be mobile and can be put in the middle of the chancel for recitals so the listeners can watch the organist play. Several parts of our organ have begun to fail, often at inopportune times, so all the parts will be updated and restored. The College will be able to host some fantastic concerts beginning next year.
Since the organ is changing, likewise so is the front of the Chapel. The Choir pews are being removed from the chancel and the lectern and pulpit will also become movable. We will be able to set up the Snidow sanctuary as a traditional church but also use the new open chancel for more creative forms of worship, music, theater and special events. I can’t wait to hear and see Steppers in Motion in the new space and to have small group services in the round.
Practically, we are also working on the acoustics. Dominion7, our architects, did all the calculations, and found that carpeting the aisles and adding pew cushions will transform the acoustics, ending the dreaded echo of up to 12 seconds. This will help us all to hear better (our musicians will be thankful), and we may even be able to use a drum set at times. In addition, lectures will be more enjoyable with a softer seat.
So when you see organ pipes being loaded into a truck in about two weeks, don’t panic; they are on their way to Lawrence, Kansas, and will return in late July. If you are a traditionalist about fixed chancels and pulpits, take a few deep breaths and prepare yourself for change. If you like flexible space, start planning your next meditation, lecture, or musical event and stop in (except during the asbestos abatement) to see the progress.
Blessings,
Stephanie