Sacred Spaces
About Sacred Spaces
Spaces on campus are made sacred in a host of ways. Think history and the generations of gathering that bring life and vibrancy to a space. Oberlin College is blessed with multiple historic spaces. These include spaces specifically used for Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other particular practices. (see Finney Chapel and Memorial Garden, Fairchild Chapel, meditation spaces at Bosworth, Lewis House Commons, and Wilder).
Spaces are also made sacred by those who gather and the intention they bring to place and assembly. Often the most sacred space on campus will be under a favorite tree at Tappan Square, a bench along your path where you can pause and reflect, or at a table where steady feasting contributes to laughter and play, healing and wholeness. Outdoors at Oberlin provide countless opportunities, nature always an eager companion in our reflection.
Making Sacred Space
The Multifaith Chaplaincy supports students, faculty, and staff in the relations they name sacred and in spaces that invite meaning for them, here and now. If we can be of service to you in crafting a ritual of care in a setting you identify as sacred, please reach out to us. What you can envision, we aim to support.
EMAIL TO INQUIRE ABOUT MAKING
SACRED SPACES or COMMUNITY RITUAL
Available Spaces
Fairchild Chapel
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) coordinates the care and use of Fairchild Chapel, which is a multifaith house of worship used most often by Christian communities. Fairchild Chapel is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays for prayer and meditation and may also be scheduled through the OSD for worship services, lifecycle rituals, and sacred music concerts. ORSL staff and affiliates are available to officiate at lifecycle rituals. Reserve Fairchild Chapel, located in Bosworth Hall, using EMS.
Wilder Hall
The Prayer Room in Wilder Hall is the main prayer space for Oberlin's Muslim community. Communal prayer is held when Oberlin is in session. The room also is available for prayer and study whenever Wilder Hall is open.
Hillel Student Lounge
The Hillel Student Lounge is available for Jewish students to learn, grow, and share community in the company of others, on the second floor on Wilder Hall.
Meditation Room
The Meditation Room in Wilder Hall, Room 325 can be reserved at Wilder Desk by groups who wish to practice meditation. Communal meditation is held almost daily by the Oberlin Meditators (OM) group. Wilder Hall, Room 310 is also a meditation room that does not need to be reserved and is open whenever Wilder Hall is open.