Hillsdale College is breaking ground on the $28.6-million Christ Chapel on Thursday at 12:15 p.m. in Phillips Auditorium, following Convocation.
The college moved the event from behind Central Hall to indoors because of forecasted cold and rainy weather. The project has consisted of four years of planning and fundraising so far and is expected to be complete by May 2019, Chief Administrative Officer Rich Péwé said.
“I’m primarily excited about this project because of the sacred architecture and what it means to the college historically and in the future,” Péwé said. “It’s going to be, ‘How could we have done without it?’”
Stephen Smith, professor of English and dean of faculty, is emceeing the event, and College President Larry Arnn is expected to speak. The event will also welcome and thank some of the many benefactors of the chapel, including Jack and Jo Babbit, who donated the original $12.5 million to the chapel.
“The new chapel will serve as a magnificent and beautiful inspiration for all in the heart of campus,” Smith said in an email. “We thank the Babbits and so many other friends of the college for their great generosity.”
Arnn said he’s excited about the project but is also eager to see the construction finished.
“I’m proud and annoyed,” Arnn said in an email. “Proud that we are getting this done. Annoyed (already) at the construction. I am working on patience.”
Péwé said the process will be a long two years and that problems could come up any day, but he praised the team working on the project, including Weigand Construction and architect Duncan Stroik.
Mark Shollenberger is the chapel’s construction supervisor. He also led the Roche Sports Complex renovation in 2014, which required a lot of organization as the complex was still in use, Péwé said.
“He became part of the family for that time,” Péwé said. “I think it’s a good team. They do everything to take care of any problems.”
Péwé said the chapel will be a representation of the college’s nonsectarian Christian mission.
“I get excited about every project,” he said. “Every time, it’s like it was meant to be a part of the campus. We always tried to make sure architecturally they represent something that points up. This is the next development in that regard.”
The chapel will serve more than just a sanctuary, providing space for large campus lectures and music performances.
“I can’t wait to walk across the Quad at noon and pray or listen to sacred music in the evening,” he said.
