Campbell University announces chapel plans, Butler gift

     Campbell University, a 119-year-old Baptist institution, announced plans for a University Chapel on January 27 and that more than $2.1 million has been given toward the $5 million worship center. Anna Gardner Butler of Warrenton, NC, loved her alma mater and for many years was burdened that the university was Christian to the core but had no chapel. She died before her dream came true. But a generous gift by her husband Robert launched the Robert and Anna Butler Chapel Campaign and will help make the University Chapel a reality.
     “This Chapel is a life-long dream for many of us,” says Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, President of the University. “It will be the capstone of the campus and the site of many life-changing decisions by students, staff and faculty.”
     Having a University Chapel has become even more important since the school opened the Campbell University Divinity School in 1996. “The Chapel is to the minister what the courtroom is to the lawyer, what the laboratory is to the pharmacist,” says Dr. Michael G. Cogdill, founding dean of the Divinity School. “The Divinity School chapel services have been outstanding in a classroom. I can’t imagine how awesome they will be in a sanctuary!”
     In addition to the 300-seat sanctuary, the worship center will include a vestibule and large gathering space, an office suite and a bride’s room. In the complex will also be a prayer room, a meditation garden and a bell tower that will symbolize Campbell University’s commitment to following God’s leadership. Students may visit the University Chapel for quiet time in the sanctuary. They may choose to meditate in the Prayer Room or visit the campus minister’s office nearby. The garden connecting the University Chapel to the Divinity School will be a beautiful setting for time alone, for small group study or fellowship over lunch.
     “For the students to have a special place to commune with God, to get away from the frantic pace of college life to hear God’s still small voice, will be magnificent,” says the Reverend Terry-Michael Newell, campus minister.
     Mrs. Butler is the author of “Simply Put . . . poems and thoughts by Anna Gardner Butler.” In a selection called “A Prayer,” she speaks of an approaching storm and she asks, “As the storm clouds gather, I take my quiet seat, dear Lord, and ask that Thou will come and sit beside me.” “It’s my desire that the sanctuary, the meditation garden and the prayer room will all serve as places of comfort and peace for students, staff and faculty as they face the storms of life,” adds Dr. Cogdill.
     Chair of the Campbell University Chapel Campaign Committee is Dr. Jack F. Coffey of Raleigh and vice chair is Dr. Roy J. Smith, also of Raleigh. Other members include Edwin S. Coates of Raleigh; Dr. Michael G. Cogdill, Buies Creek; Mrs. Irma C. Duke, Fuquay-Varina; the Reverend Terry L.Henry, Wilmington; Mrs. Catherine Campbell King, Buies Creek; Mrs. Sadie O. Neel, Goldsboro; Dr. W. Mack Roberts, Dublin; Former NC Senator Robert D. Warren, Sr., Benson; and Dr. Tom C. Womble, Ocean Isle Beach. For more information about the worship center and ways that individuals and churches may give, please contact Dr. Michael G. Cogdill at 1-800-760-9827, ext. 1831 or Mrs. Irma C. Duke at ext. 1847 or any of the other members of the committee.

Photo Copy: The Campbell University Chapel Campaign Committee with President Jerry M. Wallace: from left, Dr. Mack Roberts, Dr. Jack Coffey, Edwin Coates, Sadie Neel, Dr. Wallace, Catherine King, Reverend Terry Henry, Irma Duke, Dr. Tom Womble, Robert Warren and Dr. Michael Cogdill. Not pictured is Roy J. Smith.