Through a Rose Window
December 1, 2015
Communications Staff
A view from the center balcony of Finney Chapel, designed by architect Cass Gilbert.
Photo credit: Yevhen Gulenko
The interior of Oberlin’s Finney Chapel, seen from the central balcony, is bathed in natural light that reflects from a stained glass rose window. Intended to be a common meeting space for academic, religious, and musical occasions, the building was financed by Frederick Norton Finney, who found it to be a fitting memorial to his father, the preacher-turned-Oberlin College president. Finney commissioned up-and-coming architect Cass Gilbert, who went on to become the general architect for the college. Despite differences between the two, the building was completed in 1908.
With seating for 1,200, Finney Chapel hosts events almost every night of the academic year.
You may also like…
Vision Accomplished
How infrastructure, collaborative partnerships, and student involvement helped Oberlin achieve carbon neutrality
Construction Begins on New Residence Hall
Four-story structure to house 400 students, accommodate campus-wide renovations to other residences.
This Week in Photos: The Mug That Keeps Giving
Dozens of handcrafted mugs of varying shapes, shades, and textures rest on tables throughout a large meeting space at First Church in Oberlin. These small, handheld items make for terrific gifts, and are traditionally sold in December. They also serve as inspiration for this week’s photo series.
