Chapel of the Christ Retrospective
A building can help build a culture.
That’s certainly true of Chapel of the Christ, which became a focal point for campus life the first day it welcomed worshipers inside. In every brick, stone, beam, and carefully crafted furnishing, Chapel of the Christ says, “We worship Christ. We gather around his Word. We celebrate the sacraments he instituted. And we fill this space with his praise.”
Even its exterior communicates: The cross on the cupola speaks a tacit gospel, and no matter which direction you come from, you will read one of the four solas carved into the granite above the entrances: Solus Christus, Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, and Sola Fide—that is, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone.
Dedicated in April 2010 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of WELS, Chapel of the Christ was funded by hundreds of Holy Spirit-inspired donors. Almost immediately, the building became a campus icon. For both visitors and campus family alike, the name Martin Luther College brings to mind Old Main and Chapel of the Christ. Old Main has history on its side, but the chapel expresses even more eloquently who—and whose—we are.
Worship and Ministry Training
Every weekday morning and evening (and during a pandemic, every weekend as well), the chapel draws hundreds of students, faculty, and staff to worship. Even as their hearts are fixed on Christ, future called workers learn from experienced preachers, hear talented musicians, participate in many different liturgies, and absorb the rhythms of worship well done—all skills they will take with them into their future ministries.
“Future pastors continue toward becoming excellent communicators of law and gospel as they lead evening chapels,” says Dr. John Boeder NWC ’86, WLS ’90, MLC campus pastor since 2000. “As seasoned devotion leaders point God’s people to Christ in our chapel services, young Christians are fed and equipped to take the gospel into the world.”
Sacramental Focus
The large stone baptismal font sits at the entrance to the nave, symbolizing that baptism is the door to the church. “Whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
Like the chapel itself, the font is octagonal, the number 8 symbolizing resurrection and eternity. As the eye moves ahead, the sacramental focus continues. We see the ambo, where the gospel is proclaimed; the altar, where Holy Communion is celebrated; and the croce dipinta, the painted cross of Christ himself.
Music for the Master
Organ teachers like Professor Craig Hirschmann DMLC ’84 teach students how to lead congregational song, expertise the students take to churches all over the synod.
Professors and students alike bring out the best of the Schantz organ during chapel services as well as concerts and recitals.
The chapel beams vibrate with the 16’ Posaunenbass, and children smile to see the delightful rotating star and hear the five tinkling bells of the Zimbelstern.
Creativity in Service to the Creator
The chancel in Chapel of the Christ features several works of art, but they do much more than please the eye. They inform and inspire the spirit—all to the glory of God.
The images, shapes, symbols, and even numbers on the Altar of Revelation all point to Christ. The triptych altarpiece depicts three scenes from the life of Christ. And the croce dipinta, the painted cross, hangs above, directing the eye down to the altar, where we see a mosaic of the slain Lamb and that all-important word of Christ, “Finished,” in Greek, German, Latin, and English.
Praise During a Pandemic
The chapel normally seats 1,000. During the pandemic, chairs have been socially distanced, and in-person chapel attendance is limited. Students take turns attending in person and watching the livestream in their dorm rooms.
Technology Amplifies Worship Experience
“Clear, audible sound and appropriate use of visual aids has always been an important part of worship,” says Instructor Benjamin Matzke, who facilitates the students in the audio-visual booth, “but as remote viewing becomes increasingly common, effective live video streaming has grown to equal importance.”
An added blessing: When these students graduate, they take their technology skills with them to the churches and schools they are called to serve.
