Wagner Chapel
The Wagner Chapel is in the Rollins Campus
Center. It accommodates up to 50 people in a setting that provides
a constant spiritual presence
on campus. The chapel is open and accessible 24 hours a day, inviting
students, faculty, staff and visitors to spend quiet time in individual
reflection and prayer. It provides a central campus location for smaller
group worship, study groups and gatherings.
The Wagner Chapel is named
for Drs. Robert '36 and Frances Blessing Wagner '38, alumni who have
inspired others through their servant leadership
and Christian commitment. Married in 1939, the Wagners have faithfully
served churches in South Dakota and England throughout Robert's distinguished
career as a United Methodist pastor.
Demonstrating extraordinary devotion
to Wesleyan, Robert had twice stepped forward to provide leadership
at critical moments
in the college's
history – first by leading the successful campaign to rebuild
College Hall after the 1955 fire, and then by serving as interim
president for three months in 1971. Frances had likewise served the
university
on the Board of Trustees and in other noteworthy ways; she remains
an honorary trustee to this day.
The Wagner Chapel Stained Glass Windows
The Faith Within
“As we experience life’s
sweeping vistas, varied textures, and ups and downs, our faith
gives us the strength to enjoy, endure
and excel. However, faith is not something readily visible in a
person like hair color or the brightness of a smile. Faith should
be, though,
the center of our soul that manifests itself through our every
thought, word and deed. The deeper within us, the stronger it should
be.
“Within
this design are three fishes, symbols of the Christian faith.
As our faith is part of us, so these fishes are
part of the
flow of this design. As you use this chapel for worship, meditation
and fellowship, I hope this window inspires you to contemplate
your own faith and how it affects your life. Look within yourself
to see
the faith within.”
Ken Bird, designer
Dakota Stained Glass, 2006
