The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Chapel of the Abiding Presence--Weinert Memorial

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Chapel of the Abiding Presence--Weinert Memorial, Texas Lutheran University

Institution Name: Texas Lutheran University
Original/Historic Place Name: Chapel of the Abiding Presence--Weinert Memorial
Location on Campus: center of campus
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1954	original construction Steinbomer, Henry
1969	interior destruction by fire Unknown
1969-1971	rebuilt after fire Sovik, Ed A.

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: stone; concrete

Walls: stone

Roof: slate

Function:

ca. 1954-present (2007)

chapel (worship and fine arts performance facility)

Significance: architecture, culture, history
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
A chapel on the campus became a special project of alumni in the 1940's. In 1952, the Weinert family announced a $100,000 gift that enabled its construction to begin. Built of Austin limestone and featuring a large tracker-action organ, the 500 seat facility was dedicated in 1954.

A fire in 1969 did damage to the interior and destroyed the organ. The interior was revised under the direction of architect Ed. A. Sovik and the organ was rebuilt by the Schickler Organ Company. The facility was rededicated in 1971 and continues to be the center of campus religious life and the architectural focal point of the west side of Seguin.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

Wiederaenders, Arthur G. Coming of Age: A History of Texas Lutheran University. San Antonio, TX: P. Anderson, 1978.

II. Location of other data: