Three Perspectives on the Chapel Opening

Above, the sights and sounds of the Duke Chapel reopening ceremony.

With references to the ending of the Biblical exile of the Israelites in Babylon, President Richard H. Brodhead and Duke Chapel Dean Rev. Luke Powery reopened Duke University Chapel Wednesday after the iconic building was closed for a year of renovation.

“The hour now arrives that we have been waiting for all morning, all month, indeed one full year since this chapel last closed,” said Brodhead as he prepared to open the doors.

Nearly 200 people watched Brodhead and Powery cut a ribbon to open the chapel doors for the first time since May 11, 2015.

Brodhead spoke to the importance of the chapel as a place of worship and a central site for university and community life, noting that both he and Powery would be back there on Friday for the first of three baccalaureate ceremonies.

Powery thanked the many staff, students, contractors and congregation members who kept the spirit of the chapel active during the year it was closed. Religious life activities continued, while religious services were held in a variety of campus sites.

Following the opening, the chapel was open to a full day of events. A strong stream of visitors came through the chapel in the morning, exploring the chapel's noted stained-glass windows and other features and staying to hear organ performances and discussions of the chapel's history and architecture.

Here is a different perspective on the opening: A time-lapse video shows Duke seniors as they made their way to the top during the traditional class climb of the chapel.

And here is a third look: A 360 degree camera captures people as they walk up to the pulpit Wednesday morning.

Below, chapel organist Chrisopher Jacobson performs on the Aeolian organ. Bottom, young students explore the sights of the chapel during the opening ceremony.