A Change at the College (The Fisher All-Faith Chapel and Meeting House)

The Fisher All-Faith Chapel and Meeting House on the campus of Hiram College has been a gathering place for students since its construction in 2003. First imagined by the late College Chaplain Tom Nichols, its fulfillment occurred under the leadership of Chaplain Jon Moody. With the generosity of the Fisher family, Dr. Moody worked with the administration, alumni, and current students to gather additional donations and set the design principles for a sacred space that could be inter-faith - welcoming of students of every faith and no particular faith. I was lucky enough to be among several student-leaders who were invited into the design conversations and marveled at the thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit that every person brought, all of which helped to make the Chapel.

The invitation at the door welcomed everyone to remove their shoes in recognition of the traditions that request this for sacred spaces. The chapel did not feature any particular religious art but did have a picture railing to display iconography temporarily while students gathered. The bathrooms included washing stations for students to clean hands and feet. The creation process and implementation was an exercise in what it means to be a good neighbor in a diverse and pluralistic world.

The Chapel has served the student body and community so very well. Student religious groups such as Hiram Christian Outreach, Hillel, Neumann Club, the Hiram Unitarians, and more gathered in this space. The Chapel has hosted meditation and yoga sessions to center students, staff, and faculty. It has also served as a healing space where the Chaplain could hold counseling sessions and where the Health Center could conduct group sessions. The sacred space has been a great gift to our community.

In locating the Chapel on the site of the historic Tiffany House, the administration of the early 2000’s imagined that future development of the college footprint would expand west of Hinsdale, moving beyond Frohring Music and Arts Buildings. However, a change in leadership brought a change in direction resulting in an expansion east of Hinsdale with the additions of the Townhomes, Dining Hall, East Hall, and athletic complex. Along with this campus reorientation, other factors including changes to the job description of the College Chaplain, elimination of the Religious Studies Department, and a demographic rise in religious disaffiliation have contributed to this sacred space being used less frequently than hoped. As Hiram College has encountered fiscal challenges and a need to consolidate space for the student body, the unfortunate decision has recently been made to sell the Fisher All-Faith Chapel and Meeting House.

I will be working with the administration to locate and prepare space(s) on campus that may be suitable for students to gather and host religious rituals. I will also be coordinating with the administration to ensure that valuable items from student religious groups are stored and preserved properly for future use. And, there is also within this change an invitation for the church as well - to consider if and how the church may make its space available not only to students of the Christian faith, but students of other traditions too.

What does it look like to create a “house of prayer for all nations”? It has been modeled before us - in our tradition and in our community. Perhaps there will be a calling to serve such a purpose for our community.

Let us continue to be Christ’s Church within an ever-changing world.

Peace,

Rev. Chris

Transcript and Video to the sermon, “Loving Matters”

In Our Church and Community:

Public Forum to discuss the current status and future possibilities of the Hiram Fire Department: May 13 & 14

The Village is hosting a pair of public forums in the Hiram Fire Department (11617 Garfield Road Hiram Ohio 44234) at 6:30 pm on both Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14th.

Interim Chief Tony Marotta and public officials will be present to address questions.