7 ‘sacred spaces’ created just for prayer & worship on Baylor’s campus
Baylor’s deep dedication to its Christian mission is written all over campus — both literally and figuratively. Literally, as there are Scripture messages engraved on sidewalks and buildings all over campus. Figuratively, as campus expansion over the last two decades has purposefully included many “sacred spaces” for both individual and corporate worship and prayer.
Baylor’s deep dedication to its From classic chapels featuring ornate stained glass to simple gardens designed for quiet reflection, here’s a look into some of Baylor’s sacred spaces:
Elliston Chapel — Part of East Village, Elliston Chapel has been open to the Baylor community since 2015. During the school day, it serves as a place to gather between classes, to play the piano, or to reflect and pray in a quiet space. The stained-glass window, depicting the “dayspring on high” described in Luke 1, was designed to give the space an inviting and joyful feel.
Robbins Chapel — Dedicated in 2007, Robbins Chapel in Brooks College sustains Baylor’s tradition of valuing spiritual formation in students’ development. William (BA ’52, LBB ’54, JD ’69) and Mary Jo Robbins had a vision of creating a space for private prayer and small group worship at the heart of a living-learning community to encourage faithfulness to Christ in the daily life of students. The stained-glass windows present a narrative of Christian virtue and its ultimate goal: union with God in Christ through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit.
Bobo Spiritual Life Center chapel — Located inside the Bobo Spiritual Life Center, this intimate chapel displays a beautiful cross over a window that overlooks the greenery of campus. Dedicated in 1982, the Bobo is open to the Baylor community during the school day as a place to gather between classes, with the chapel serving as a sacred space to rest and refocus.
Paul W. Powell Chapel — Adorned with a beautiful pipe organ and stained-glass windows, the Paul W. Powell Chapel at George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an incredibly special space. In fact, it is so unique that nine faculty of the seminary pondered the stained-glass window panes in chapel sermons, then recorded them in a book available on Amazon.
Foyer of Meditation — At the center of Armstrong Browning Library, the McLean Foyer of Mediation features marble columns, black walnut paneling, a hand-painted ceiling, and three cathedral windows. Its focal point is the Cloister of the Clasped Hands, an area that has become known as the most romantic spot on the Baylor campus. A Mason & Hamlin grand piano graces the room, and because of its outstanding acoustics, this space is ideal for concerts, a cappella choirs and other musical events.
Garden of Contentment — When Armstrong Browning Library was originally dreamed up, Dr. A.J. Armstrong envisioned “an outstandingly lovely” outside area that would “include beautifully designed benches where people can sit and meditate and absorb the beauty of the garden.” Dedicated in 2012 and located just outside of the library, the Garden of Contentment is a beautifully landscaped, versatile outdoor gathering space and garden, designed for people to walk, to think and to be inspired.
McCall Chapel — Even though it’s located in Stacy Riddle Forum, Baylor’s Panhellenic building, McCall Chapel is open to all students on the Baylor campus. Ornate with colorful stained-glass windows featuring a beautiful cross design, McCall is a perfect space to get away and pray in the midst of life’s craziness.
Sic ’em, sacred spaces!