Each of these descriptions has been given to the new Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College (MLC), New Ulm, Minn. Standing at the center of campus between two of the busiest buildings, "the chapel will proclaim Christ in worship, music, and art," says John Boeder, MLC's campus pastor.

Completed in March, the chapel will be dedicated the weekend of Apr. 10–11. The $7.5 million chapel and organ were funded from designated gifts given as part of the synod's 150th anniversary thank offering in 2000, from individual gifts for the chapel since that time, and from interest earned on those gifts. "The Chapel of the Christ really belongs to the Christian folk of WELS," Mark Zarling, MLC's president, says. "Their prayers and generous thank offerings to Jesus made this church building a reality."

Throughout the years, various buildings were constructed to accommodate worship on campus, but none served that sole purpose. Since 1928, the campus family has worshiped in the same auditorium that houses concerts, drama productions, sports rallies, talent shows, and more. "Wherever the Word of God is proclaimed, the Spirit is unleashed," Zarling reflects. "But now there is a visible and dedicated place that reminds campus family and campus visitors alike that Christ is the center of our identity, both as individual Christians and as a college."

Gunnar Lederman, MLC's student body president, comments that the construction of this chapel and other prominent WELS church buildings is like "putting the gospel on a stand where it is able to shine and do its work."

Pastor Philip Casmer, a 2003 graduate agrees. "The Chapel of the Christ provides a beautiful place to experience God's grace in Word and sacrament on a daily basis for a student body that trains to minister with them full time," he says. "It is a place in which excellent worship will be modeled for those who will be leaders in worship places all across the country."

Every day, morning and evening, the campus family will gather to hear God's Word in the Chapel of the Christ. "In addition, it will be open for students, staff, and faculty to find some quiet moments during hectic days to sit and pray and ponder the goodness of our Savior-God," Zarling says. He also anticipates the chapel being used by larger gatherings of WELS Christians for conventions, conferences, and festival services. "And yes," Zarling continues, "already there are students who are planning to have their weddings sanctified by Word and prayer using the Chapel of the Christ."

"Worshiping our Savior and being strengthened by the means of grace is the heartbeat and highlight of campus life," says Boeder. "This new chapel will enhance what we already do and enjoy. Through the means of grace, our God will feed us for our important privilege of taking his Word into the world through the public ministry."