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Chandler Memorial Chapel

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Central Time), unless reserved for an event (closure notifications are made via day-of signage outside of the Chapel)

Contact Us:

For information on the Chandler Memorial Chapel, contact WKU Campus & Community Events at special.events@wku.edu or 270-745-2497.

For information on the Columbarium or the Memorial Wall, contact Kara Neidell, College Heights Foundation at kara.neidell@wku.edu or 270-745-4597.

Chandler Memorial Chapel


Through the generous private support of David Chandler and several benefactors, an interfaith chapel is now part of the WKU experience. The purpose of the Chandler Memorial Chapel is to provide a sanctuary for students of all faiths to find a place of peace, solitude, reflection and meditation.

The Chapel is used for special moments in the lives of those in the WKU family, in times of crisis, for campus group functions, and for individual expressions of faith.

In addition, it is utilized by various campus organizations for special ceremonies and is an ideal site for weddings. The Chapel is made available to all students, faculty staff, alumni, and friends regardless of religious affiliation. 


Historical Significance

The idea of a chapel is synonymous with WKU's rich history, dating back to the University's founding when Henry Hardin Cherry encouraged students to attend a daily chapel service in Van Meter Auditorium. "In its final analysis, chapel is the place where Western is daily born," Cherry asserted, and many students and faculty agreed with him. Chapel was one of the fondest memories many students carried from the Hill, and their most vivid recollections were often of Cherry's own inspirational talks.

Memorial Wall

Memorial Wall

Honor the memory of a loved one on the Memorial Wall of the Chandler Memorial Chapel.  A gift of $1,000 will secure your designated plate on the south side of the building's exterior.  The Memorial Wall will provide a lasting tribute to alumni and friends of WKU.


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 Last Modified 3/7/23