Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Fisk Memorial Chapel


Well-known New York architect William Bigelow designed the Fisk Memorial Chapel. Built in 1892, the chapel honors Clinton Fisk, the university's namesake. Home to the Fisk Jubilee Singers, it is still the religious and cultural center of the university. "Arise shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee" is inscribed above the chapel's entrance doors. And, the chapel is home to a Holtcamp Pipe Organ, estimated in value at $2.5 million.

In addition to lectures and presentations, other activities held there include the Spring Arts Festival, convocation, graduation, dance and dramatic presentations. Guests who have spoken from the chapel's stage include Booker T. Washington, Eubie Black, Merle Haggard, Duke Ellington, Jesse Jackson, Robert Altman, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 1992, Congress appropriated funds for the Chapel's restoration. Since its August, 1992 rededication, Fisk Memorial Chapel has received awards from the Victorian Society of America, the Tennessee Historical Commission, and the American Institute of Architects (Tennessee).

Tomorrow, we'll continue a look at Fisk and discuss its famous art collection.

Side note: Today is Kasey's 13th birthday. Find out more about her here.


7 comments:

FĂ©nix - Bostonscapes said...

Nice looking church. Fisk has beautiful buildings.

Ming the Merciless said...

How interesting! I think the architecture has a but of a Moorish influence. But then I'm not an art historian. :-)

Southern Heart said...

That is a lovely Chapel...wonderful architecture!

Janet said...

Not only historical but beautiful as well. So glad it was restored.

Isadora said...

Not only is the style handsome, but the stones used for the construction. Very beautiful structure and so is the inscription.

Kate said...

Another very good historical post. Fish University is important, and I'm impressed by the number of notables who have spoken there.

Kate said...

Sorry, it should be Fisk, of course.