New Alabama Camp Chapel Dedicated
More than 400 people gathered May 2 to celebrate the completion of the new chapel at Camp McDowell, a retreat, conference center and summer camp of the Diocese of Alabama.
The 500-seat, $2.7-million Chapel of St. Francis of Assisi more than doubles the worship capacity of the Winston County camp’s Ascension Chapel, which was completed in 1957. Use of the old chapel had tripled during the past 12 years, and many events drew more than its 200-seat capacity.
The new chapel was dedicated during a two-hour service led by the Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop of Alabama; the Rt. Rev. John McKee Sloan, Bishop Suffragan; and the Rt. Rev. Robert O. Miller, Bishop Suffragan of Alabama from 1988-1998. A window in the north transept, given by people of the diocese, was dedicated in honor of Bishop Parsley in thanksgiving for his life and ministry.
“Camp McDowell is at the spiritual heart of our diocesan community, and our new chapel provides a visual and physical reminder that Christ is the center of our lives,” Bishop Parsley said.
Bishop Parsley noted that the new chapel was designed to be very “green.”
“With the use of a great deal of glass and natural wood, the grace of nature and the grace of worship come together as one,” he said.
The Eucharist was followed by a barbecue picnic lunch and an afternoon of games and bluegrass entertainment.
The new chapel also features a downstairs conference area for meetings and fellowship events.
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/5/26/new-alabama-camp-chapel-dedicated
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