"That Students May Truly Know the Light of the World"

Dedicated November 27, 1959
Tulsa Oklahoma

The University and the Chapel

The University of Tulsa was founded by ministers of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. in Muskogee from mission schools, its first location in Tulsa was next door to the original First Presbyterian Church. This newly organized community of teachers and students was of and from the church, as the University seal testifies.

When Henry Kendall College was moved to its present site, the chapel was housed in Kendall Hall, the principal and most central building. In 1959, the University dedicated Sharp Memorial Chapel, an expression of the Christien Witness and devotion of Mr. And Mrs. Robert C. Sharp, and the dreams of Dr. Clarence I. Pontius. Sharp Memorial Chapel remains a Christans.

The Chapel has been conceived as both a work of art and a useful tool. On the one hand its very presence is symbolic of the majesty of God and the importance of religion in the lives of people. On the other hand it has been designed as a center of vital religious activity and enriched spiritual development for the campus community.

It is centrally located on the campus, and is the final building to be located on the "U." The Chapel stretches across the front for one hundred and sixteen feet and encompasses a total of thirteen thousand square feet. It is constructed from a special mixture of Arkansas and Tennessee stone.

Within the building are: the Sanctuary; a Meditation Chapel; the Chaplain's Office; the Robert C. Sharp Westminster Student Center; the Josephine P. Sharp Reception Suite; the Buford Atrium; and the Martha S. Canterbury Suite.

Sanctuary

As one sees and approaches this sanctuary from the north, the first reaction is to stop and look up toward the great window of art glass reaching to a height of forty-two feet. The window itself is six feet by thirty-one feet. One closer approach the symbolism of the intricately cast bronze doors and plaques becomes evident.

As one enters attention is immediately drawn to the Chancel Window, a glowing ten by twenty eight feet of colorful art glass images of the Risen Christ. This sanctuary is the focal point of the entire structure. Its design is termed basilica. It is thirty seven feet wide and one hundred seventeen feet long. The great wooden Tudor arches reach their peak forty two feet above the floor. The interior walls repeat the stone exterior of soft tones of brown and buff, implementing the soft but vivid tones of the eight art glass stops for a total of 1750 pipes, and a set of 25 Deagan Chimes. The pipes and chimes are located in chambers behind organ screens at either side of the great Chancel Window. The organ includes the classic flute and reed choruses of the 18th century organ as well as some of the more recently developed tone colors necessary for playing 19th century literature.

Symbolism of the Stained Glass Windows

Pictorial symbols are more an elemental method of teaching facts and ideas of the faith than written language. One of the reasons for the development and wide use of the Christian symbols was the inability of many early Christians to read or write. As a result of the centuries of use by a multitude of people, often more poetic than historical, many symbols have acquired a variety of meanings, while many different meanings can convey the same meaning. Windows in the Chapel were made by the studios of George L. Payne, from designs drawn by Pierre Millous, modern French artist. The glass was made at Chartres, France, near the famous Chartres Cathedral. Pictures and designs are produced by mosaic technique, not by painting. These are not "stained glass" windows, but windows made of many colors of glass set in a concrete and steel frame to produce the desired symbols. Individual pieces of the inch-thick glass are hand-chipped on the inside. So as to produce the soft diffusion of light that makes possible the brilliant colors without harsh effects.

The Meditation Chapel

This is a small room set aside for private meditation, or use by small groups. It is entered fro the east side of the foyer to the sanctuary. Its design repeats that of the sanctuary. It is constructed of stone and cyprus wood. The focal point is the travertine altar perceived by a bronze cross. Carved on the marble altar is the favorite biblical quotation of the donors Mr. and Mrs. Robert C.Sharp. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalms 46:10)

This unique meditation chapel is set off by a spiritually eloquent cross that literally pierces the altar. by several innovations in design and plan above the worshipper.

In the large window is the figure of a praying angel, with white wings and hands folded in a spirit of awe and adoration. The other window shows a slender vine and recalls the words of Jesus recorded in John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches."