Restoration of the front façade of Lawrence University’s Memorial Chapel will begin the last week of April.
Work includes replacing the entire front pediment and entablature.
“For more than a century, Memorial Chapel has served as a vibrant cornerstone for both the Lawrence campus and the greater Appleton community,” said Lawrence University President Laurie Carter. “This restoration is not just an investment in our campus infrastructure, it is a commitment to preserving a shared space where our students and our neighbors can continue to gather, celebrate, and connect for many years to come.”
Memorial Chapel began as a collaborative effort between Lawrence University and the Appleton community to create a gathering place and performance space for cultural, political, social, and major ceremonial events for both the campus and local community.
Designed by William J. Smith of Chicago and built by C.R. Meyer and Sons, Lawrence Memorial Chapel was dedicated in 1918. Its six white columns and portico support an intricately decorated pediment and steeple. Eight stained-glass arched windows decorate the side walls with depictions of both religious and secular scenes along with the institutional seals of Lawrence and the city of Appleton.
The Wisconsin Historical Society describes it as “perhaps the most distinguished example in Wisconsin of a Georgian Revival church structure.”
“Memorial Chapel has served as the backdrop to countless community moments for more than 100 years,” said Vice President for Advancement Joe Emmick. “Embarking on this renovation will ensure the Chapel continues to be a valuable community resource for future generations.”
In recent years, the Chapel’s flooring and seats have been replaced, HVAC and mechanicals upgraded, and new insulation added. The roof has been replaced, an accessible entrance updated, and all stained-glass windows repaired and restored. AV equipment upgrades and lighting and acoustic improvements have been made to enhance the guest experience.
Despite careful maintenance, the 1,184-seat Chapel is due for major historic preservation. Wood rot affected the domed wooden belfry and spire, which led to roof leaks. Hidden water damage from the leaking caused a small portion of the front façade to chip off in 2024. For safety, netting and scaffolding were installed and will remain in place until the restoration is completed.
Weather, water damage, and age have led to significant deterioration of the Chapel façade. An architectural investigation recently confirmed the damage is beyond repair and that a full replacement of the front pediment and entablature is necessary. The project will include new sheet metal and flashing, refinished columns, repaired capitals, and a water management system to prevent future damage. The work is expected to be completed by early winter of 2026. Repairs to the belfry and spire will be addressed in a second phase of this historic preservation project.
The entire pediment and entablature of Memorial Chapel will be replaced with CastWorks Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete. The material is watertight, but the glass fiber throughout the concrete mixture makes it much lighter, stronger, and more resilient to cracking and wear from environmental forces.
The entire pediment and entablature will be removed in sections and molds will be created for each section. The GFRC mixture will be applied to the mold, allowing the original architectural details to be meticulously replicated, and a steel framing attachment will be applied to the back. The individual panels will then be installed on the building. Once all panels are in place, the entire façade will be finished and sealed.
