Introduction
Mount Allison is a church-founded university which affirms the partnership of faith and higher education. The Mount Allison crest declares that religion is a central and integral part of university life, and the University continues the commitment made in its founding to nurture the spiritual life of students. It supports and encourages the practise of the worship of God and affirms that university is a place to be awakened to the deep mysteries of life. The search for truth and for growth is a religious quest as well as an educational goal.

The chapel at Mount Allison, located at the heart of the campus, is a visible symbol of the commitment of the university to the importance of faith in university life. It stands as a reminder that the university is committed to nurturing students as whole human persons.

While founded under Methodist direction, Mount Allison upholds freedom of religion and creeds. Chapel worship and activities are ecumenical by design; the Office of the Chaplain is intended to be an ecumenical appointment, responsive to the many Christian denominations represented on campus. The Chaplain is open to engaging all religious students in faith development.

The Chapel
The Chapel on campus is a worship centre, and is also a refuge and a retreat in the midst of the activity around it. It is open daily for quiet reflection or prayer. Its exterior design makes it accessible from any direction on campus; the interior design naturally draws the eye upwards. The chapel is used primarily for worship, but individuals and groups associated with the university may arrange with the Chaplain for the use of the chapel for purposes that reflect the goal of nurturing religious life on campus.

The chapel was built and dedicated in 1965 through the initiative and generosity of the Rev. C.H. Johnson, and with the support of many other alumni, friends of the university, church people of the region and other individuals and institutions.

The organ is a gift of a former Chancellor, Dr. Ralph P. Bell, in memory of his mother. The stained glass windows were given by Marjorie Young Bell. A permanent record of the gifts is found in the The Book of Remembrance in the narthex of the chapel.

A small meditation room for private or small group prayer or worship is located to the right of the front of the sanctuary; the Chaplain maintains a study to the left side. The Manning Room in the basement is named for the generous gift of Mrs. Gladys M. Manning, and is dedicated to the religious and social life of the campus.

Worship
Sunday evening worship services, or vespers, are held through the academic year. Holy communion is celebrated on an ecumenical basis each month in a mid-week service. Other special services in the week take place through the year.

The Chaplain provides leadership in worship, drawing also on guest resource persons and members of the University community. Students take an active role in the chapel programmes, sharing in planning, preparing and leading worship. The Chapel Organist and Chapel Choir bring the gift of music to worship, as do many other individuals and groups from the campus community.

The Chaplain
The Chaplain oversees the Chapel and its programmes and worship; the mandate of the Chaplain goes beyond worship and extends to nurturing spiritual life on campus. The Chaplain maintains an office in the University Centre and a study in the Chapel; in addition to administrative functions, the Chaplain seeks to aid in faith development, to counsel and comfort those needing encouragement or support, to be a refuge to those in need, to enrich University life. All the work of the Chaplain is undertaken regardless of the religion, ideology or faith of those who seek.

The Chaplain is appointed by the University and serves as Chaplain to the whole community, including both students and employees, and is not the appointee of or minister to any particular denomination. The mandate of the Chaplain is to minister as a representative of the whole Church of Jesus Christ, with a responsibility to speak to the university as well as from within it.

Student Groups
Students engage in their faith pilgrimages in many ways, and the University provides ample opportunity to develop in faith. The Chapel services give opportunity to share in worship and develop leadership abilities; the Chapel Choir provides a way to express faith in music. Student groups operate autonomously, but often in conjunction with the Chaplain.

Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship has an active group that offers fellowship, singing, Bible study and prayer. The Student Christian Movement is also very active, and encourages students to translate Christian faith into action through issues of peace and social justice.

The Pre-Theology Society comprises those students who are considering ministry, and it meets occasionally for fellowship, study and mutual support.

Programmes
Religious awareness and spiritual development are the concern of a variety of programmes initiated by student groups, the Department of Religious Studies and the Office of the Chaplain. These may include guest lecturers, forums for dialogue on religious matters, and other special events.

Next: Student Services