Copyright

© 1999-2009  

Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YW

The BBC Religious Calendar can be found here

www.chaplancs.org.uk

Lancaster University  

Chaplaincy Centre

 

Tel 01524 594071

Email admin[a]chaplancs.org.uk (replace [a] with @)

History

Daring to be Different

This partnership between different religious traditions provided the inspiration for a multi-sectional building, whose different sections were united by ascending spires. The architects were the Preston-based firm of architects, Cassidy & Ashton. It is one of the few buildings on the University campus that dares to be different, replacing the ubiquitous straight lines of other University buildings with its curves and circles. Only the Media Services Unit in the County College has joined the Chaplaincy Centre in this act of non-conformity.   

The Spires and their Symbolism

The symbolism of the three spires reaching up together has encouraged many people to attempt to describe their meaning. The original design of the Chaplaincy Centre had three crosses rising from the spires. This caused concern among some people because one of them rises from the lobe that includes both secular and Jewish rooms. The Management Committee decided to saw off the two arms of that cross. The resulting spike is thought to point upwards towards whatever we may look up at.

"You cannot see what it is the spike points to; you can only see the blue sky or the swirling rain, sometimes the stars. But you can show what it is: it is that which somehow shines in and behind what we see, the Transcendent to which the great religions give their own testimony." (Ninian Smart, 10th Anniversary Sermon). The distinctive spires have now become such a well-established feature of the University's profile that they act as a frequent landmark and meeting-place for visitors to the University and also served as the inspiration for a new logo adopted by the University in 1989 (its silver jubilee year).   

The Anglican Free Church Chapel

The two Chapels were designed and furnished deliberately to complement each other. Each seats approximately 250 people, although the moveable door-screens allow either Chapel to overflow into the concourse if necessary. The principal feature of the Anglican/Free Church Chapel is the wooden sculpture behind the Communion table, entitled "The Battle". Constructed by local artist, Jan Thorn, its angular sections, reminiscent of a crown of thorns, or of spears and crosses, symbolize the human struggle and quest for spiritual and eternal values. The organ, with one manual and four stops, installed in 1983, is the work of Lancashire organ-builder Peter Collins, and is on wheels, so that, with a little effort, it can be moved for use not only in either Chapel, but also between the Chapels in the Concourse-area.  

The Roman Catholic Chapel

The Roman Catholic Chapel is dedicated to scholar, and statesman, St Thomas More, of whom there is a sketch portrait on the wall to the right of the chapel. The stations of the cross, and Last Supper, constructed in fibre-glass, are the work of Morecambe sculptor Michael Edwards. In the side chapel to the left is a sculpture of the Annunciation.

The Third Circle

This circle, the final section of the building, provides accommodation for members of other religious traditions and faiths to hold their meetings. It is here that Quakers meet for Worship and the Buddhists for Meditation and reflection. It is also used by many other groups. It is joined to the concourse by two passageways, on either side of what was originally intended to be a porters' lodge. The staircase leads to a library area, and the Chaplains' private accommodation, the doorways to the Central Lounge and other parts of the Chaplaincy.   

The Central Lounge

The Central Lounge is the Centre's principal social area, and is served by George's Restaurant. In any typical week it acts as the venue for meetings, discussions, lectures, social events, playgroups, informal meals ... a spectrum as wide as the variety of traditions and cultures gathered at the University.   

The Jewish Rooms

To the right of the entrance is a suite of three rooms, designated for use principally by Jewish members of the University. They are indicated by the traditional mezuzah on each door-post, denoting the dedication of the rooms to the Torah (law) of Israel. There is a small room which is used as a synagogue at major (Jewish) festivals, a lounge for study, meetings, and socials, and a kitchen in which the traditions of Kosher cookery have been observed.   

The fire

In January 2004 a fire was started in the Catholic chapel, caused by a candle that was left burning for holocaust memorial day. A fibreglass relief of the last supper smouldered for some time before the fire was discovered by Stephen Hoyland, the lay Catholic chaplain, who raised the alarm. By that stage extensive smoke and soot damage had been caused throughout the building. The whole premises had to be vacated, as cleaning and re-instatement work took place. Sunday services were held in the Jack Hylton rooms until the Centre was partially re-opened in the summer term of 2004.  

During its life, the Chaplaincy Centre has been able to welcome tens of thousands of visitors, and has been privileged to be visited by HM The Queen, the Visitor of the University, and leaders and representatives of many different religious traditions. It serves as a living witness to the belief that the different Christian and other religious traditions have much in common, that even in those areas which divide, listening and understanding are the path to reconciliation.