Sept. 7, 2007
By Anita Martin
The Office of University Events has announced that the Helen Mauck Galbreath Memorial Chapel now will be open only by reservation for a modest charge.
The decision was based on declining numbers of chapel visitors and a lack of funding to maintain the chapel's hours. Rich Carpinelli, associate vice president for student affairs for budget and operations, said the cost of student staffing to cover the chapel's open hours had totaled $14,000 annually.
"This was a difficult decision to make," Carpinelli said. "But given current universitywide financial challenges, we need to look at the provision of services to make sure we're operating within our means."
Staff, students and community members are welcome to reserve the chapel, which has a seating capacity of 150. A rate of $10 per hour will cover staffing and overhead costs.
Galbreath Chapel can be reserved by people of all faiths for memorial services, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, receptions, christenings and a variety of cultural events such as music concerts, poetry readings and lectures. Fraternities, sororities and other university organizations also can reserve the chapel for formal initiation ceremonies and receptions.
The chapel was built in 1957, a gift of alumnus John Galbreath in memory of his first wife, Helen, a 1919 graduate whom he met while they were students at the university.
To make reservations, individuals should contact Paula Bartlett, University Events chapel coordinator, 740-593-1762 or galbreathchapel@ohio.edu, or visit www.ohiou.edu/chapel/.
Related Links:
