WBU President Dr. Stan Norman (right) looks over the newly renovated Startup Chapel with Trustees Susan Allison and Cliff Gifford.
(Walnut Ridge, Ark) – The Board of Trustees at Williams Baptist University got a firsthand look at the newly renovated Startup Chapel Tuesday, Sept. 24. The board, meeting in regular session on the Williams campus, took time to tour the historic chapel and see the renovations and additions that are nearing completion.
The $1 million project has produced a much larger stage, all new windows, new seating, technical upgrades and new restrooms in the chapel, as well as a new addition at the rear of the chapel with dressing rooms, set construction areas, prop and furniture storage and other amenities.
“Startup Chapel has been a vital element of WBU campus life for nearly eight decades, and now it has been given a whole new life,” said Williams President Dr. Stan Norman. “Our contractors and all involved with this project have done great work. This is going to be a wonderful venue in which to watch dramatic productions and attend other events for many years to come.”
Startup Chapel began as the military chapel for the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School in World War II. When WBU moved to the location in the 1940s, the college adopted the chapel as its own. It has been the site of countless worship services and weddings, and it continues to be used for campus activities, including productions of the WBU Theatre Department.
In recent years, the chapel was named in honor of Dr. Kenneth Startup, the retired WBU academic dean and history professor.
WBU raised the funds necessary to complete the Startup Chapel project, including a $200,000 challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation in Midland, Tex. The chapel will be officially dedicated on Nov. 9 during WBU’s Homecoming celebration.
In other matters, the board elected its officers for the upcoming year. J.R. Cox of Walnut Ridge will continue as board chair, while John Hill of Jonesboro will remain vice chair. Dave Russell of Jonesboro will serve as board secretary.
And the trustees expressed their appreciation to several members who are rotating off the board. Board terms are expiring for Jamar Andrews of Jonesboro, LeAnn Caudle of Bentonville, Jeff Crawford of Springdale, James Nichols, Jr., of Marion and Jody Smotherman of Batesville.
“I want to personally thank these board members for giving of their time, wisdom and expertise over the past few years,” Norman said. “We appreciate them very much, and we are counting on them to remain actively involved with the ministry of Williams Baptist University.”