Chapel Renovation Underway

Marion Made Capital Campaign donations, and a major gift provided by alumnus Jimmy Rane '64, have set the stage for a complete Chapel renovation, which began in mid April. MMI Foundation Executive Director Suzanne McKee provides a report on the design plan: The ceiling plaster and crown molding will be repaired, and the walls will have a new paint scheme. The pews will be replaced with pews built from the finest grades of lumber. New flooring will include a combination of hardwoods and carpet walkways, and the stage will feature the original 1857 heart pine flooring. The lighting will be replaced and consistently sized with energy efficient LED lighting. In addition to a new audio visual system, there will be a modest stage renovation with new hardwood podiums. "The spirit and beauty of the Chapel will be preserved; there will be no major reconstruction of any kind. The stained glass windows and exterior bricks will always remain a special part of the Chapel," notes McKee.