Wait Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wait Chapel |
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Wait Chapel's distinctive edifice dominates the main quad at Wake Forest University
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| 36°08′06″N 80°16′44″W / 36.13508°N 80.27885°W | |
| Location | Hearn Plaza |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1956 |
| Specifications | |
| Spire height | 213 feet (65 m) |
Wait Chapel is a very important building at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. It was the first building constructed on the university's main campus, called Reynolda. The chapel was finished in October 1956.
It is named after Samuel Wait, who was the very first president of Wake Forest University. The chapel has a tall steeple that reaches 213 feet (about 65 meters) into the sky. You can find Wait Chapel on the northeastern side of Hearn Plaza, which is also known as the Upper Quad. It stands directly across from Reynolda Hall.
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Inside Wait Chapel
Wait Chapel is a large building that can seat 2,250 people. This makes it a great place for big events and gatherings.
Musical Instruments
The chapel is home to two special musical instruments. One is the Janet Jeffrey Carlile Harris Carillon. A carillon is a musical instrument made of many bells. This one has 48 bells! The other instrument is the Williams Organ. This organ was a gift from Walter McAdoo Williams. He is also the person for whom Walter M. Williams High School is named.
Famous Visitors and Events
Wait Chapel has hosted many important people and events over the years. It is a place where history has been made.
Important Speakers
Many famous leaders have spoken at Wait Chapel. On October 11, 1962, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech there. Later, on March 17, 1978, President Jimmy Carter delivered a major speech about national security. In November 2011, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the chapel.
Presidential Debates
The chapel has been a site for important political discussions. It hosted a presidential debate in 1988 between George H. W. Bush and Michael Dukakis. In 2000, another presidential debate took place there, featuring George W. Bush and Al Gore.
Other Notable Events
On September 13, 2007, the chapel hosted a live broadcast of the National Public Radio (NPR) show Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. This show is known for its fun news quizzes.
A private memorial ceremony for the famous author and poet Dr. Maya Angelou was held in Wait Chapel on June 7, 2014. Many well-known people attended, including former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, and Oprah Winfrey.
Chapel Connections
Wait Chapel is connected to a large network of underground tunnels. These tunnels run all over the campus. They are used to carry important utilities like pipes and wires.
Community Gatherings
The chapel has also been a place for community events. For many years, the congregation of Wake Forest Baptist Church held their Sunday services there. The church later dissolved in 2022.
During the Christmas season, the chapel hosts a special Moravian lovefeast. This is a traditional gathering that includes singing and sharing simple food. It is a time for community and reflection.
