“It’s going to be gorgeous inside,” says Ed Delgado, the incoming president of the Hispanic Center for Theological Studies (CHET), who spoke during a dedication service earlier this summer.
The dedication service was one of several activities as part of the camp’s celebration, though the building won’t be completed until at late next spring. No further activities are planned in the facility until its completion.
Stonecutters have been on site for several months. They are using stones from nearby Pennsylvania, as well some recycled from other buildings. “They’re amazing,” says camp director Karen Yeversky. She notes that the exposed post and beam construction in the ceiling contributed to a sense of awe during the dedication.
To see additional photos, including areas of stone work and the exposed beam construction, please see Mission Meadows construction.
The chapel replaces the original facility, which was constructed in 1948 as the first building on the grounds. The current chapel could no longer accommodate either the crowds or the contemporary forms of worship that require multimedia. Retreat groups use the camp most weekends throughout the year, but the current chapel sits empty for many months because it isn’t fully winterized.
The new chapel is 2,700-square-feet, with a worship space measuring 54 by 50 feet. Flexible seating will accommodate up to 250 people. The building also will provide additional meeting and fellowship space for summer and retreat use.
Yeversky says the chapel is designed so that it can easily handle increased use in the future. The lower level will remain unfinished for now, but it was included because adding an undeveloped basement level now will be less expensive than constructing a new building later.
The cost of the building is estimated at $800,000, Yeversky says. Construction costs were lower than normal because the staff is serving as general contractor. Volunteers also have contributed a significant amount of labor.
Mission Meadows is part of the Great Lakes Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church.
