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Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Chapel

This renovation of a dark 1920s chapel involved an "opening up" of existing elements. HGA's design opened up the chapel by removing the original low flat ceiling, which exposed the expansive gabled ceiling of the attic. We also unveiled and re-glazed four windows that had been covered over for many years. Moving an organ that had long ago been placed in front fine arch-top windows unearthed a peaceful view of the pastoral Seminary grounds. Light now floods the chapel from floor to gable after removing the dark 1920s colored glass of five existing North-facing windows, which revealed an "unspoilt" view of a mature grove of trees owned by the Seminary. Sturdy (monastic) oak chairs complete the space, replacing immovable pews. The Seminary is foremost a teaching institution, and this renovation enables the chapel to be a teaching tool for the faculty and students. Rather than the immobile furnishings of the past, the furnishings can be rearranged to reflect the varied configurations in which the Seminarians will someday find themselves preaching.