By 1808Delaware
On June 21, 1893, Ohio Wesleyan University celebrated a milestone in its history with the dedication of University Hall and Gray (then “Gray’s”) Chapel, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to education and community. Situated atop an elevated knoll, this building rose grandly above Delaware, immediately becoming a landmark of Romanesque splendor. Built at a cost of approximately $150,000, the new structure combined utility with artistry, reflecting Ohio Wesleyan’s commitment to academic and spiritual pursuits.
At the heart of this building is Gray’s Chapel, named in honor of Columbus philanthropist Alston Ellis Gray, whose significant contributions made this project possible. Rising to an impressive 148 feet, University Hall’s tower dominated the skyline, constructed with a foundation of Delaware blue limestone and a facade of North Amherst buff stone. With a footprint of 160 feet in width and depth, the structure exudes stability and prominence.
Gray’s Chapel: An Architectural and Spiritual Centerpiece
Gray’s Chapel quickly became the defining feature of University Hall, blending function and inspiration. Its ribbed vaultings, crowned by a magnificent dome, showcased a blend of opalescent and Venetian glasswork that filled the space with a gentle, ambient light. At night, the chapel transformed under the glow of hundreds of electric lights, casting a radiant illumination from within.
With seating for 2,100, the chapel could expand to accommodate up to 3,000 by activating an ingenious system of movable doors, making it an ideal venue for significant gatherings. The interior, with frescoed walls in warm browns and yellows, was finished with quarter-sawn red oak and cherry opera seats, imbuing the chapel with a welcoming yet reverent atmosphere. Notably, sixteen furnaces ensured a balanced climate, an impressive innovation for the time.
The Alumni Organ: A Musical Masterpiece
In the northwest corner of Gray’s Chapel, the alumni-gifted Roosevelt organ stood as a symbol of musical and mechanical excellence. Valued at $14,000, the organ featured seventy-one stops, allowing for a versatile range of sound suited to the most complex orchestral compositions. Controlled by dual swell boxes, it enabled nuanced expression, providing the chapel with unparalleled musical capabilities.
Chicago organist Clarence Eddy performed the inaugural recital on June 20, marking the organ’s dedication and offering a high point in Ohio Wesleyan’s commencement festivities. This performance, a highlight for the university community, added an auditory grandeur that complemented the visual splendor of the chapel.
A Thoughtfully Designed Space for Learning and Community
University Hall was built to serve not only as a place of worship but as a hub for the university’s growing academic community. The building incorporated administrative offices, classrooms, parlors, literary halls, and Y.M.C.A. rooms, providing a centralized space for all facets of campus life.
Each classroom was thoughtfully appointed, featuring a private room for instructors complete with a marble basin. The building included a fire-proof vault in the auditor’s office for record preservation, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to both security and functionality. Its spacious hallways and skylit corridors facilitated smooth movement, adding to its role as a well-organized academic center.
Commemorating Dedication and Commencement
The dedication of University Hall took place during Ohio Wesleyan’s forty-ninth annual commencement week, beginning with examinations on June 14, 1893. The week included a series of notable events: from the baccalaureate sermon by President J.W. Bashford to addresses by alumni and a memorial tribute to former US President Rutherford B. Hayes, given by then-Governor an later US President William McKinley. Bishop H.W. Warren delivered the dedicatory sermon, joined by prominent figures who honored both the university’s Methodist heritage and its dedication to higher education.
As the dedication concluded, University Hall and Gray’s Chapel became enduring symbols of Ohio Wesleyan’s mission to advance education, faith, and community—a legacy that continues to inspire.
Image: OWU
