Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, Hyde Park

Service time: 11am – 12pm University Ecumenical Services (Christian denomination) Ahh.. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (RMC)- one of the cornerstones of the University of Chicago campus, yet a location I have never truly visited in my 2 years here (besides the mandatory orientation academic lecture long, long ago). Some background on the architecture:

• Commissioned by John D. Rockefeller, founder of the University of Chicago
• Constructed in 1928, by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue
• Built in style of Byzantine / Romanesque / Gothic
• Stands 207 ft. high, capacity seats 1700

I initially did some research on the RMC website (rockefeller.uchicago.edu); the worship services offered are described as “University Ecumenical Services” every Sunday at 11am. After a quick scan on the web, I realized the ‘ecumenical’ description, meaning “of worldwide scope or applicability” or more specifically “of or relating to the worldwide Christian church” (American Heritage Dictionary), fitted extremely well with Sacred Space International’s goal of interfaith understanding. The space: Not being a student of architecture, RMC’s exterior still impressed me with its presentation, adhering to the University of Chicago’s neo-Gothic theme. Wide swathes of fresh-cut green lawns surround the space, with finely cut stone walkways and even parking nearby. The building is definitely a defining landmark of the UChicago campus. The interior is no less impressive: High arched ceilings, center stained-glass window, organ wall expanse, surrounding seating areas, intricate wooden decorations. The environment grants a wonderfully serene feeling of peace. The service: Summer ecumenical service at RMC is significantly smaller than in the rest of the year, from what I gathered. The people present fit comfortably in the front chancel section, which is the section that contains the altar, choir section, and organ. Participants in the service were each given a pamphlet with step-by-step outline of the service, very useful for those unfamiliar with the general proceedings. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people are all very friendly, shaking your hand warmly during a ‘wish-peace-upon-your-neighbor’ segment. The actual service is of Christian denomination, mixing conservative Catholic traditions (according to my formerly Catholic friend) with some more modern practices, such as the sermon message about breaking down barriers between cultures. A large part of the service was the singing of Latin songs by a choir and melodic organ pieces, giving a nice audio ambience to the beautiful visual environment. The extras: Refreshments and socializing were offered after the service. Apple cider + cookies = delicious! In addition, we were given the opportunity to ascend to the top of the RMC tower. Not only did we get to see a live playing of a carillon (allegedly the second largest in the world), which is an instrument with a console controlling numerous bells, we saw a magnificent view of Hyde Park and Chicago from the top of the University of Chicago’s tallest building. *Not for the acrophobic