Campus Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

1 campus

1.1 architectural features
1.2 buildings
1.3 gymnasium
1.4 chapel

1.4.1 renovation
1.4.2 design award


1.5 library

campus

the wisconsin lutheran seminary campus situated on 80 acres in mequon, wisconsin. large trees, expansive grassy fields, woods, stream, , small holding pond, campus resembles park.

architectural features

the design of campus mimics architectural style of wartburg castle in eisenach, germany. features include stone walls , slate roofs. overall layout of dormitory , academic center ring, creating courtyard in center of main complex. fachwerk, timber-framed brick walls common on campus.

buildings

the seminary tower acts gateway central courtyard, divides main building 2 areas: residence hall , dining hall life west , administration-classroom building, chapel, , library east. residence hall, consisting of 8 units, can accommodate 80 students. dining hall seats approximately 150. between 1997 , 2002 residence hall expanded provide more room each student. classrooms simultaneously remodeled provide current technology. auditorium-gymnasium, built in 1986, seats 1200.

the campus features these main buildings , areas:

administration-classroom
chapel
library
residence , dining hall
gymnasium

gymnasium

opened in 1986, gymnasium seats 1200. main gymnasium contains 2 basketball courts , volleyball court. building has racquetball court, 2 locker rooms, , exercise/weight room. gymnasium used concerts, holiday services, , graduations.

chapel

included in 1929 building project chapel campus worship. original chapel quite plain , did not contain pews, musical instruments, art glass windows, or pulpit , altar. not until 1930s chancel decorated of local craftsman. decades chapel featured small wooden altar, pulpit, lectern, wooden pews, tile floors, wick s organ, , 3 art glass windows behind altar. unfortunately, low ceiling , small amount of natural light detracted atmosphere.

renovation

in 2002 wisconsin lutheran seminary facilities committee presented study on chapel, noting surface deficiencies of chapel , pointing out chapel architecture did not promote example type of liturgical worship practices taught @ seminary , commonly in practice among wels congregations. committee proposed chapel renovation.

the renovation, funded special gifts, began in 2004 , took full year complete. construction completed in may, 2005. dedication service not held until beginning of following academic year, on august 29, 2005.

the new chapel design features large, clear windows allow natural light pour room. windows etched symbols representing 4 theological disciplines. ceiling opened tall gable roof. dark stone tile floors contrast white paint on walls , ceiling. other features of chapel include:

ambo - ambo replaces pulpit , lectern 1 central location reading of scripture.
paschal candle - paschal candle reminds worshippers of christ lamb sacrificed sin.
font - baptismal font reminds worshippers of own baptisms. design allows constant flow of water adds gentle sound chapel.
freestanding altar - altar , chairs freestanding , can moved needed. in practice, chapel layout has remained same since dedication.

design award

in may, 2006 newly renovated chapel received merit award american institute of architects wisconsin chapter.

library

the wisconsin lutheran seminary library houses on 58,000 books, on subject of theology , bible. library subscribes on 300 periodicals , journals around world, of theological in nature. library contains more 2000 rare books, 1500. several examples on display on main level on library. other features of library include world mission collection, mission materials printed in on 30 different languages. library maintains vertical file of on 3000 essays written wisconsin synod pastors , professors, many of can accessed on library s essay file website.