Foundations
The Calvin B. Hanson Chapel is familiar to many of the earliest alumni of Trinity Western. Named for TWU’s founding president, the chapel was the first building constructed for Trinity Junior College in 1962. As the foundation of the campus for more than 40 years, it was the site of worship services, convocations, choir practices, and even a few weddings. When it closed in 2004, due to water damage, plans were soon under discussion by the University and alumni for its reconstruction.
In the legacy of the Calvin B. Hanson, construction of the new 11,000 sq. ft., $4 million building–named the Hanson Chapel–is proposed to begin in 2009, and will be funded by donations from alumni.
For many of the alumni, who helped draft the proposal for the new chapel, it was important that the heritage of the original Calvin B. Hanson Chapel be retained.
Keeping this in mind, architects re-introduced the v-shaped rafters, one of the most enduring features of the old chapel. The rafters symbolize praying hands and will be used as hanging rafters in the sanctuary of the new chapel. Additionally, the stones that made the south wall of the Calvin B. Hanson Chapel will be reused in the north wall of the new building.
Along with the familiar rafters and stones, the foyer will exhibit a display honouring the early history of Trinity Western and Dr. Hanson.
The building plans came as a result of a steering committee set up by Trinity Western to develop a solution to the chapel closure. “We tried to make sure everyone’s needs were satisfied,” explains Dave Swan, director of Alumni Relations. “It was especially important for us to ensure that the new chapel have a space for alumni.”
The plans feature a lounge for alumni visits and events, as well as administrative offices for the Alumni Relations department. “Dr. Raymond and I are excited to have a place where alumni can reconnect with the school,” says Swan.
In addition to space for alumni, the Hanson Chapel will feature a sanctuary that can seat 300; a prayer room for students, staff, and faculty; and instructional space for TWU choirs.
The Hanson Chapel will be located at the centre of Trinity Western’s campus, between the Reimer Student Centre and Douglas Hall.
“We chose this location,” says Swan, “because we wanted to symbolize the idea that the heart of the University–its centre–is a place that honours God.”
by JJ Hutcheson '08
Back to Top Table of Contents
Share This Story
Feature Stories
The Endless Pursuit of More
Why is it that the things we seek in life to find meaning and happiness often become the very distractions...
Of Flies & Worms
TWU researchers use simple models to find answers to complicated questions.
Double Talk
TWU professor of communications, Bill Strom, Ph.D., is one of the many ventriloquists...
