thumb|right|The Chaplaincy Centre in 2004
thumb|[[Spire of the Chaplaincy Centre]]
Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre, on the campus of Lancaster University in the United Kingdom brings together the many faith groups represented on the campus and in the wider community.
History
When the university was being designed, the architect Gabriel Epstein suggested a site to the north-west of Alexandra Square for a chapel, potentially linked to University House. The Anglican Bishop of Blackburn, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster, and the Rev. G. A. Maland (representing the free churches) held discussions together and agreed to retain the Preston-based firm Cassidy & Ashton, who specialised in religious buildings, as architects. Later, these churches were joined by the Jewish community, and the University Grants Committee agreed to help with the cost of fees and fittings for the social areas. The Chaplaincy Centre's spire was the basis of the university's 1989 logo, introduced in the university's silver jubilee.
Similar facilities exist at the universities of Dundee and Bath. However, very few universities in the United Kingdom have such purpose built facilities. Lancaster was the first such joint centre in the United Kingdom.
Interior details
thumb|Fresco in the Catholic chapel
At the insistence of the Catholic Diocese of Lancaster, the Catholic chapel is separate to the chapel shared by Anglican and Free Church Christians, but moveable screens mean that both chapels can open up into the concourse for shared activities such as carol services. Each chapel seats about 220 people.
Usage
The centre also includes a Buddhist Meditation Room and a Quiet Room used by Quakers. The centre hosts weekly Mindfulness sessions and serves as a meeting place for the Lancaster Jewish Society every Shabbat. Opposite the Chaplaincy Centre in Ash House are the university's Islamic prayer rooms.
References
External links
- Lancaster University Chaplaincy centre website
- Anglican and Free Church Chapel website