Two weeks ago, Andrews University hosted its 2024 Spring Week of Prayer. The theme was “Activate,” and presentations featured students who preached personal messages from the heart. Most students are required to attend a minimum of at least 12 chapel programs a semester. But, have you ever wondered what Week of Prayer or Chapel may have looked like at Andrews at various points in history? Chapel has existed since the early years of Andrews’ existence as Battle Creek College, and has, at times, played a major role in campus life. Over the years, Andrews University has experienced plenty of changes regarding chapel programs. Even recently, the weekly assembly branding has been updated, with the name officially changing to AU Gather this school year. With changes happening yearly, what has “chapel” looked like at various times in Andrew's history?
In Andrews’ early years, a chapel was held every day. According to Dr. Meredith Jones-Gray's book about Andrews, “As We Set Forth,” during William Warren Prescott’s stint as president, chapel occurred every morning at 9:00 am. O. A. Morse, presumably a former student, is quoted in the book as stating that President Prescott “personally conducted the chapel exercise every morning at nine o’clock and always gave a short talk, or read from some book, and these were always of high order” (Jones-Gray 63). He was also described as a good speaker and a scholar, and his presentations were “educational and interesting” (Jones-Gray 63). Chapels continued to be held daily and were a major part of student’s lives and the atmosphere on campus. When the school relocated to Berrien Springs, students gathered in the old courthouse’s courtroom for assemblies. A year later, they moved into their own space upon the construction of a true chapel. When attending chapel, male and female students were not allowed to sit together, each remaining in a designated portion of the room. Jones- Gray’s book gives examples of topics covered, such as the church's mission, the dignity of labor, and other educational and spiritual ideals of the faculty (Jones-Gray 147). At times, chapels were even used for disciplinary purposes. There are accounts of student suspensions and “statements of censure” announced publicly in chapel (Jones-Gray 33 & 60). Additionally, faculty members sometimes did not approve of students' behavior in chapel and discussed teaching students how to behave properly. Later presentation topics expanded to include a greater variety of topics, including subjects as varied as photography and the bubonic plague (Jones-Gray 147). There were also several “campaign” chapels led by students in which students rallied together to work toward a specific goal, such as paying off the school’s debt, purchasing the first grand piano, and increasing student enrollment to 400 (Jones-Gray 147-148).
In addition to chapels, there have also been weeks of spiritual emphasis. “Week of Prayer” has been known over the years by a variety of names indicated by past Student Movement articles such as one from 1951 titled “Prayer Week Brings Consecration” and another from 2003 called “Week of Spiritual Emphasis: A Celebrity Preacher” (Perla). After combing through numerous Student Movement articles, it appears inviting guest speakers to present has been a common practice. However, on more than one occasion, there have also been student-led versions. One specific Week of Prayer described in Dr. Jones-Gray’s book explains that there was a spiritual revival before Week of Prayer that resulted in spur-of-the-moment worship sessions, leading students to be open and receptive to the week of prayer. The description of the same event states that the last day of spiritual emphasis was also the “last day of school before Christmas,” indicating that Week of Prayer used to be held much later in the semester (Jones-Gray 64). This is also supported by the article mentioned above, “Prayer Week Brings Consecration,” which states the particular spiritual emphasis week it covers took place in November. Another article describing a Week of Prayer was published in March, showing that both semesters experienced a much later Week of Prayer than is typical today (“Ochs Holds Spring Week of Prayer”).
Whether you call it Week of Prayer, Prayer Week, or Week of Spiritual Emphasis, through the ages the goal has been the same: to bring students together and seek God’s presence. Similarly, chapels allow students to congregate and learn about the campus, life, upcoming events, and other information. Through the ages, chapel programs have been a distinct part of Andews, adding to the unique atmosphere of this Christian university.
Dr. Meredith Jones-Gray’s book, As We Set Forth
“Ochs Holds Spring Week of Prayer.” Student Movement, 12 March 1952, pp. 1.
Perla, Juan. “Week of Spiritual Emphasis: A Celebrity Preacher.” Student Movement, 26Feb 2003, pp. 1.
“Prayer Week Brings Consecration.” Student Movement, vol 36., 14 Nov 1951, pp. 1.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.