Chapel Centennial - 100th Anniversary Gunnison Chapel

For generations, Gunnison Memorial Chapel has served as a sanctuary for the full human experience, embracing everything from celebration to sorrow. Gunnison Chapel is dedicated to honoring the unique worth of every person, welcoming all paths, identities, and abilities. That’s why, whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. More than just a building, the Gunnison Chapel continues to evolve to meet the needs of Laurentians and the broader community. 

Gunnison Memorial Chapel was built in 1926. The chapel officially opened on June 6, 1926. The chapel was named for Dr. Almon Gunnison, St. Lawrence University’s eighth president, from 1899-1914. Dr. Gunnison guided St. Lawrence into the 20th century. Our pipe organ and chapel bells are also 100 years old! The Estey Pipe Organ was donated by Charles Coffin of General Electric. The Bacheller Memorial Chime (chapel bells), installed in May 1926, were donated by Irving Bacheller from the Class of 1882. The chapel bells ring every weekday evening at 5 o’clock when classes are in session. 

Gunnison Chapel is renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows. However, when the chapel was built, only two stained-glass windows were installed at the time. Those two original stained-glass windows are still in the chapel today! The newer windows were installed in 1972 as memorial gifts from alumni, family members and friends of the University. Through our stained-glass windows, Gunnison Memorial Chapel is essentially a teaching chapel, as each window imparts knowledge. The Clerestory/large upper windows display components of a liberal arts education. The Nave/small lower windows display The Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew. All windows display historical figures whose life reflects the theme of the window. The largest of all stained-glass windows is The Great North Window, in the rear of the chapel, in the balcony. This window depicts a famous quote from one of the school’s founders: “We have lit a candle in the wilderness that will never be extinguished.”

Gunnison Memorial Chapel is a welcoming space that honors the inherent worth of every person. We honor the richness of human diversity, welcoming people of all backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs.