The finished pieces of the restoration process are finally coming together in time for the Valpo community to congregate in this
space of worship. As construction equipment is moved out of the Chapel of the Resurrection, preparations for Opening Convocation, “A Time to Rejoice,” will begin.
Chapel Ministry staff members have been officially moved back into their offices and are ready for another semester. The finishing touches on three main restoration projects will wrap up on Aug. 17 with work continuing late into the evening.While the sea containers, Port-A-Johns, and barricades have been removed, the closing stages of these three projects are in full swing.
For the window installation, many of the windows are finished. However, there are some individual panes to be replaced and installed, as well as some window hardware and caulking to be completed. The new ventilator and heating system has reached completion ⎯ the censors have been installed and the final decibel readings have been taken. These readings validated that there will be optimal sound control when the system is in use, even though the number of fans for the system has been doubled. Voicing for the organ is under way and the pipes have been returned to their rightful home in the west gallery. There is one final cleaning for the organ pipes to be completed.
Facilities Management is now returning to the building to prepare for the festivities celebrating the start of a new academic year, working on the interior of the Chapel and around the grounds. Site restoration is continuing to occur during the morning shift, while the nave floor is being cleaned/buffed/waxed during the night shift.
The baptismal fountain will also be refilled and the circulating pump will be turned back on. This final task is an appropriate representation of the renewal that comes with fresh beginnings and is a fitting reminder of Valpo’s faith community. With these projects coming to an end, this centerpiece of campus has been simultaneously restored to its original time period and updated to accommodate prospective improvements, standing as a bridge between the past and the future.
My folks were attending Valpo when the first chapel burned on old campus. I remember attending chapel during Home Coming when I was 7 with them here, as well as the years I attended. My wife and I were married on the alter a little over 20 years ago. We return every time we are in the area and have introduced our son to this great worship space. I am glad the “powers that be” at Valpo realized this is one building they don’t need to demolish to make way for the new! Nice; Very nice.