Chapel of the Disciples, University of the South, Sewanee

335 Tennessee Ave., Sewanee, TN

Beautiful Chapel of the Disciples in Sewanee, TN

I find myself among the trees,

Not outside, where winds whispers of storms and birds call for news,

But inside, under the eaves, angled shapes mimic leaves.

I find myself in the light of God, luminous, shining,

Not kneeling in grasses and squinting from glare,

But inside, under sacred geometry that lifts my soul to the Heavens.

Wood planks call to the tall trees outside, stretching far and high,

White walls bounce the light and invite the eyes to the sky.

And when the shadows of clouds pass by,

I’m enveloped by warmth and peace.

Look upon the cross so beautiful, at first an outline against the trees and glow of day,

Then glorious in bright colors surrounding skin tones so true.

What is this behind it? Eyes that look upon my heart, my soul?

Do you see all, as I look upon your form?

I am here, myself and I, among the trees within and without.

April, 2023

The Chapel of the Disciples was created for the School of Theology by the architectural firm of E. Fay Jones and Maurice J. Jennings of Arkansas. It's modern design is an interpretation of traditional Episcopalian architecture and warm interiors, and is the recipient of the 2003 Arkansas chapter AIA Honor Award and a 2004 Gulf States Region AIA Honor Citation Award.

The crucifix was designed in 2020 by New York artist Laura James who has African and Caribbean American heritage and a love for the Ethiopian Christian Art form. It replaces a crucifix depicting Christ as a white, European man, after faculty unanimously voted to better reflect the needs of the broad and diverse community. This dramatic decision came after the University of the South formed the Roberson Project on Slavery, Race, and Reconciliation which took on the hard and difficult work of acknowledging the University's history with slavery and its legacy of racial oppression.

The Rev. Peter Pearson created the three beautiful icons hanging under the pipes of the organ.

Please respect the chapel should you visit and ask permission if you wish to stand on the altar or take pictures.

Sources:

Chapel Life and Music

Chapel of the Apostles, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee (mauricejennings.com)

Crucifix Creator Laura James Shares Her Inspiration

The Roberson Project

WHILE YOU ARE ON CAMPUS:

Check out All Saints Chapel, the University Cemetery and the hiking trails, especially Shakerag Trail and Thumping Dick's Cove for old-growth forests! My blog on finding other old-growth forests, Nature's Temples, is here.