Sisters Chapel

Sisters Chapel is a historic chapel located on the campus of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and was designed by architect John M. Johansen. The chapel has been a significant part of the college's history, hosting various events and ceremonies, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches and Rosa Parks' visits. It has also been a place of worship for students and faculty, including notable figures such as Shirley Franklin, the former Mayor of Atlanta, and Andrea Lewis, a Spelman College alumna. The chapel's design and architecture have been influenced by various styles, including Gothic Revival architecture and Art Deco, similar to other notable buildings in Atlanta, such as the Fox Theatre (Atlanta) and the Georgia State Capitol.

● History

The history of Sisters Chapel dates back to 1927, when it was consecrated as a place of worship for the students and faculty of Spelman College. The chapel was built during the presidency of Florence Read, who played a significant role in the college's development, similar to other notable educators, such as Mary McLeod Bethune and Booker T. Washington. Over the years, the chapel has hosted various events, including speeches by notable figures, such as W.E.B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, and Maya Angelou, who have all been associated with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Civil Rights Movement. The chapel has also been a place of worship for students and faculty, including notable figures, such as Alice Walker, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and Keshia Knight Pulliam, an Emmy Award nominee.

● Architecture

The architecture of Sisters Chapel is a unique blend of Gothic Revival architecture and Art Deco, similar to other notable buildings in Atlanta, such as the Fox Theatre (Atlanta) and the Georgia State Capitol. The chapel's design was influenced by the work of architect John M. Johansen, who was known for his innovative and eclectic style, similar to other notable architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei. The chapel's interior features a stunning stained glass window, designed by artist Hale Woodruff, who was also a professor at Atlanta University, and a pipe organ, built by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company. The chapel's exterior is adorned with intricate stone carvings, similar to those found on the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

● Location

Sisters Chapel is located on the campus of Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, in the heart of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). The chapel is situated near other notable buildings, including the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College and the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library. The chapel is also close to other historic landmarks, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. served as co-pastor. The chapel's location has made it a popular destination for tourists and visitors, including those attending events at the Georgia World Congress Center and the Centennial Olympic Park.

● Significance

Sisters Chapel has significant historical and cultural importance, not only to Spelman College but also to the broader Civil Rights Movement. The chapel has hosted numerous events and ceremonies, including speeches by notable figures, such as Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, who were associated with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Power movement. The chapel has also been a place of worship for students and faculty, including notable figures, such as Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to be elected to Congress, and Barbara Jordan, a former Congresswoman from Texas. The chapel's significance has been recognized by various organizations, including the National Register of Historic Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

● Restoration

In recent years, Sisters Chapel has undergone significant restoration work, including the repair of the stained glass window and the pipe organ. The restoration project was led by the Spelman College administration, in partnership with the National Park Service and the Georgia Historic Preservation Division. The project aimed to preserve the chapel's historic integrity, while also ensuring its continued use as a place of worship and community gathering. The restoration work was supported by various organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the Ford Foundation, which have also supported other notable restoration projects, such as the Restoration of the White House and the Preservation of the Alamo. The restored chapel was rededicated in 2011, with a ceremony attended by notable figures, including Ambassador Andrew Young and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Category:Historic chapels in the United States