By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
This September is arguably Cedar Crest’s biggest month ever. In addition to the new Woodland Commons Clubhouse and Walden Place residence building, the new 8,097- square-foot, 356-seat interfaith chapel is also opening.
An interfaith dedication service will formally open the building on Tuesday, September 19, followed by weeklong events. “We’re setting up a full program because we want to demonstrate the many diverse uses of the interfaith chapel to the entire community,” says Director of Resident Life Marymae Henley.
A Chapel for All
As an Erickson community, Cedar Crest is not affiliated with any religious denomination or group. But it’s guided by the philosophy of Erickson’s founder, John Erickson, which seeks to support all facets of a person’s life—physical, intellectual, and spiritual.
“Our new interfaith chapel will enhance the already vibrant spiritual life of our community,” says Marymae.
Cedar Crest has three very active faith groups on campus: the Catholic Council, the Jewish Council, and the Protestant Council. There is also an Interfaith Council, which facilitates dialogue between the faith groups and sponsors a number of interfaith services and programs throughout the year.
Until now, each faith group has held services in Cedar Crest’s performing arts center, the club room, and classrooms. The interfaith chapel will now serve as the venue for each faith group’s worship. In addition to the main chapel, which can seat up to 350 people, there is a 16-seat side chapel for more intimate prayer and meditation.
Dedication Week Events
In addition to the opening interfaith dedication service, which will utilize the chapel’s superb Rodgers organ, each faith group will have its own dedication ceremony as part of its first service on Friday (Jewish Shabbat service), Saturday (Catholic mass), and Sunday (Protestant service).