Two years in production and millions of dollars later, the University of Tampa is set to open the doors of the long-awaited Sykes Chapel.
On Friday, UT will unveil its first-ever chapel to the community, but what will that mean to students?
Overall, the opening of the chapel has been a very closed production.
It’s still not clear why the chapel was ever approved for construction, except that it would provide many students with a place to worship and meditate.
My question: Why is it named “Sykes Chapel: Center for Faith and Values” and not just “Sykes Center for Faith and Values”?
The possibility of mixed or wrong impressions exists with the inclusion of “chapel,” a word related directly to Christianity. UT, after all, is a non-secular school.
When the plans for the chapel were first announced, many said it was a “gift” from John Sykes that we’d be foolish or rude to not accept.
But should the sheer offering of a gift be the reason to accept it, especially given its lack of relation toward students on campus, especially in respect to the need for new academic buildings and residence halls?
According to UT officials, there will be no religious services in the chapel. At least for now, there will also be no wedding ceremonies performed.Sometimes, I feel the sheer essence of such a building is simply to appease a major donor and subsequently draw in more money.
The opening of the chapel will be at 2 p.m. Friday. Tours will be available to the public.
Event programming will be handled by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement. How do you feel about the chapel? Do you think this is a good or bad investment?
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Damn man, you just opened a can. lol
yo pipe organs are gay. like we’re supposed to be like “oh sick pipe organs!” seriously bro? pipe organs haven’t been popular since like 1994 and even then they were kinda like corny. anyways who wants to party?
LOL! Well played Erin. People just like to be controversial.
If you have a problem with the Chapel, get over it. I have no religious affiliation and I am not in one bit upset with it being called the Skyes CHAPEL.
Look at this building and judge it for what it offers and what’s inside rather than the name. Biggest/Most expensive pipe organ in the southeast. I’d say that’s a pretty damn good gift for music students. A Bluthner concert grand piano. Awesome for pianists. Space for quiet and meditation. Good for anyone that’s spiritual.
Don’t fall under any of these categories or see the benefits of this chapel? Maybe next time John will donate his money toward the Skyes Arcade so you don’t complain.
the chapel is so 2000 and late.
Evolve, people. It’s 2010.
UT does not need to cower because some rich guy like Sykes wants to impose his own religious values on a secular campus.
The chapel is disingenuous and secretive in its purpose and has no educational value. It’s only purpose seems to be stroking Sykes’s ego.
Regardless of how the word “chapel” has been misappropriated elsewhere to describe “interfaith” centers, “chapel” is unmistakably Christian in its origin. Imagine calling the center a “mosque,” but saying it’s for all faiths. Such dishonesty would be called out immediately.
The chapel is an unfortunate addition to an otherwise fine campus. I hope students can find a real purpose for it. If the chapel is not inclusive to the desires of well-meaning student groups, then UT’s reputation will be seriously damaged.
Can’t argue with that!
It’s nothing but a boondoggle. UT needs classrooms, labs, dorms, better security, and million other things before we need a chapel. Sykes’s stipulations on the use of the chapel is so great UT can’t even rent it out to make it modestly worthwhile.
Personally, I think if someone wants to designate a monetary gift for a specific project it is their right. I understand your point about not accepting it, but I think it adds to the overall beauty of the campus. Whatever the reasons for building it, I hope that it will eventually be open to everyone. It will be nice to have an area on campus to pray, worship, or meditate.
On your point about the name:
The word “chapel”, while originally associated with Christianity, is used by many religions today. It has evolved to mean a “house of worship”, regardless of your religion. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “chapel” as “a subordinate or private place to worship.” “a place of worship serving a residence or institution.” I guess it is one of those instances where one has to use their discretion. If you don’t want to worship in a “non-denominational chapel”, then don’t.
Many universities have a non-denominational chapel. Harvard has a chapel inside their Memorial Church. They are as liberal as they come. We have to get past words and what we think their meanings are and focus on what things STAND for and how they can benefit us. If it was named “Sykes Chapel” only, then you may have an argument. Calling it “Sykes Chapel: Center for Faith and Values” denounces any specific religion and keeps it open to all.
People put too much thought into things now-a-days. Even the United Nations calls their place of worship a chapel. I am sure no one will argue that the U.N. is pretty diverse and does not subscribe to one type of religion. I understand your concerns, but it is just a building that has been donated by an individual who wanted to name it a chapel.
Let me just say in closing that I think this was a good article. It keeps the dialogue open on the subject, which is important. I am a Christian, but I won’t have a problem praying/worshiping next to anyone from another religion. Let us all live in peace and harmony- no matter what religion you are.