University Chapel facts for kids
|
University Chapel of Washington and Lee University
|
|
|
U.S. National Historic Landmark District
Contributing Property |
|
University Chapel of Washington and Lee University (Lee Chapel)
|
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Washington and Lee University campus, Lexington, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Built | 1867 |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Part of | Washington and Lee University Historic District (ID71001047) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000914 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1960 |
| Designated NHLDCP | November 11, 1971 |
The University Chapel (once known as Lee Chapel) is a famous building at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This chapel was built between 1867 and 1868. It was requested by Robert E. Lee, who was the president of the school at that time. The school was then called Washington College. The chapel's design, in a Victorian brick style, was likely created by Lee's son, George Washington Custis Lee. Other details were added by Col. Thomas Williamson, an architect and professor. When it was finished, during Robert E. Lee's life, it was called the College Chapel. Robert E. Lee was buried beneath the chapel in 1870.
The Recumbent Statue of Lee
A main feature inside the chapel is a statue of Robert E. Lee. It shows him in his uniform, appearing to be asleep on a Civil War battlefield. This statue is often called the "Recumbent Lee." It was made by sculptor Edward Virginius Valentine. This statue is placed where an altar would typically be in a church.
The "Recumbent Statue" was first shown to the public on June 28, 1883. It became the main attraction of the chapel. Over the years, there have been different views on the statue's placement. For example, a history professor at Washington and Lee, Ted DeLaney, shared his thoughts in 2019. He felt the statue's symbolism in the chapel was not welcoming to everyone.
Building and Its History
Inside the chapel, on the walls near the statue, you can see two important paintings. One is of President George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796. The other is a painting of Robert E. Lee from 1866. These paintings were chosen to show the time periods when each person was connected to the university. There is also a special plaque from the Sigma Society. It honors two students who bravely served in World War I.
In the basement of the chapel, there is a crypt. This is a special burial place that was added after Lee's death. It holds the remains of many members of Lee's family. This includes Robert E. Lee himself, his wife Mary Anna Custis Lee, their seven children, and Lee's parents. Lee's favorite horse, Traveller, is buried just outside the chapel. Many visitors leave coins or apples there as a tribute.
The basement also has a museum. This museum shares the history of the families of George Washington and Robert E. Lee. It also tells the story of the university itself. Robert E. Lee's office has been carefully kept almost exactly as it was when he passed away.
The Chapel Today
The chapel is still an important part of Washington and Lee University today. It can seat about 600 people for events. New students gather here to learn about the school's Honor System. Important lectures, concerts, and other special events are also held in the chapel.
For many years, the school held its annual meeting for Omicron Delta Kappa. This is a national honor society that started at Washington and Lee. This event often took place around Robert E. Lee's birthday, January 19. This day was also a university holiday called "Founders Day."
In 2014, some Confederate flags that were around the Lee statue were removed. This happened after students asked for them to be taken down. Robert E. Lee's great-grandson, Robert E. Lee IV, supported this change. He felt removing the flags was something that should have happened earlier. Since 2018, large doors are often closed in front of the statue during university events. This helps the chapel feel welcoming to all students and visitors.
The university officially changed the chapel's name from Lee Chapel to University Chapel on June 4, 2021. The school also decided to stop celebrating "Founders Day" on Robert E. Lee's birthday. Plans are being made to redesign and renovate the chapel. The goal is to make the main hall separate from the Lee family crypt and the statue.
The University Chapel was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960. In 1963, the famous writer Ralph Ellison became the first African American to speak there. Currently, there are no regular public tours of the chapel.
See also
