Sisters Chapel History

Sisters Chapel, dedicated to the worship of God, was named for two sisters, Laura S. Rockefeller and Lucy Maria Spelman. Simplicity was the dominant characteristic of their lives and John D. Rockefeller, Jr., made the following remarks about them at the building's dedication on May 19, 1927.

"Simplicity was one of the dominant characteristics of Laura Spelman Rockefeller, my mother, and Lucy Maria Spelman, my aunt, the sisters from whose estates came the money which has made possible the erection of this building. It is fitting, therefore, that only a few simple words be spoken at this time...And so, girls of Spelman, the mantle of these sisters falls upon you, their younger sisters...May you justify their high hopes for you, follow loyally the ideals they have set up, and develop in your own lives that beauty of spirit, that simple nobility of womanhood which they so beautifully exemplified...May the spirit of these sisters and the lofty ideals they typify ever pervade this building and rest in benefaction and inspiration upon all who enter its doors."

This beautiful chapel, used for religious services, lectures, assemblies, and center-wide convocations, ranks high with other chapels in this country and abroad for its acoustical qualities!"

In April 1928, the first academic procession from Rockefeller Hall to Sisters Chapel occurred, inaugurating a Founders' Day tradition.

A Holthkamp organ was installed in 1968, and changes were made at that time in the stage and anterooms. In addition to interior and exterior painting done on a periodical basis, some major renovations were made in 1976 when a drainage system was installed, leaks between outer and inner walls corrected, and the interior walls replastered. The sanctuary, offices, and prayer room were newly carpeted at the same time.