Please Read Our Letters of Congratulations (pdf download)
Renovation Overview
In May 2008, several months prior to the rededication of the chapel of Saint Thomas More, Architectural Forum featured the chapel as an example of an “eclectic approach” in contemporary architecture, an approach that attempted to modify stylistic precedents rather than abandon them. The grandeur of the Gothic edifice and the simplicity of the New England meeting house were combined to create an exterior with a “pleasing balance of decoration and plain wall areas” and, within the chapel, enrichment was “confined with good effect to a few important areas.”
Cesar Pelli, the architect of the The Thomas E. Golden, Jr. Center, described the chapel as a simple elegant building, “one layered with a richness of detail and artistic intuition. . . conceived in anticipation of the contemporary Catholic spirit, which does not rely on ornate treatments or ubiquitous symbolism for meaning.”
The Saint Thomas More Corporation approved a $5 million Phase II campaign to renovate the aging chapel in accord with twenty-first century liturgical practice. One of Cesar Pelli’s former colleagues, George C. Knight '95 M. Arch., oversaw the work.
Knight, who is a member of the Saint Thomas More worshipping community, worked with Pelli on the original planning for the Golden Center and has had previous experience in designing liturgical spaces.
The renovation of the chapel and the Chaplain’s Residence included the updating of failing mechanical and utility systems; remediation of toxic substances such as asbestos and lead; bringing the facilities into conformity with fire and safety codes; and replacing leaking roofs, rotted gutters, crumbling mortar, peeling paint and thread bare carpets. In short, this project rectified the deleterious effects of age and limited funds.
We rejoice in the restoration of the original chandeliers of Douglas Orr design; a renovated Lady Chapel, including Father Riggs’ beloved Arc and Dove votive ships of Lord Baltimore’s Maryland colonists; a new altar, ambo, baptistry, prayer alcove and crucifix. Most importantly, the Catholic community at Yale has its space back for worship.
Architectural Summary
From the outset of the project, Knight Architecture LLC, in conjunction with the building committee, established that the primary architectural objective was to reestablish and extend the distinctive though somewhat diminished original character of the 1938 Douglas Orr designed chapel created under the direction of Rev. T. Lawrason Riggs '10. Recognizing the quality and innovation of this original work, Knight eagerly embraced the committee’s vision and endeavored to fulfill it, restoring the original components of the building and creating new ones to meet the evolving priorities of the liturgy and the congregation.
Particularly satisfying aspects of this commission were the replacement of the unsightly and failing acoustic ceiling tile throughout the nave with wood planking and acoustic plaster; the restoration of the original chandeliers in the nave along with the general upgrading of lighting throughout the chapel; the installation of a new ambo, altar, ambry, and baptismal font all designed to form a cohesive suite of sanctuary furniture; creating a prayer alcove in one of the chapel’s former confessionals that will feature a collection of devotional icons; the replacement of stylistically incompatible pews installed during the 1970s with new ones; the relocation of the chapel’s organ console to the choir loft; the opening of the passage from the narthex through the Riggs Study and into the Golden Center; the restoration of the finely designed sacristy; and the refurbishment of finishes throughout.
Examples of this objective include: repurposing existing ductwork throughout the chapel’s attic to provide ventilation for cooling in lieu of an air conditioning system; refinishing and reshaping the earlier, existing pews to create new ones; recycling materials and original finishes throughout the chapel and residence; restoring windows with insulating glass throughout the residence; installing materials made from renewable sources; and thermally insulating the chapel.
Ten Years in the Making
In 1996, the Board of Trustees of Saint Thomas More, the Catholic Chapel and Center at Yale University, inaugurated a multi-million dollar capital campaign to expand its ministry both programmatically and physically.
Towards that end, the board established the Saint Thomas More Building Fund as a resource that would accomplish several objectives: provide for the construction of a 30,000 sq. ft center; build a 3,000 sq. ft. building for Yale’s retail use; renovate the existing chapel and Chaplain’s Residence and cover all development expenses related to the campaign. As of September 1, 2011, $25 million has been received in gifts and pledges for construction and renovations and the campaign is complete! Moreover, an additional $25 million has been secured in documented gifts and bequests to ensure the financial health of Catholic ministry at Yale for generations to come. Thanks to these spectacular accomplishments old debt was paid off and our endowment was placed with Yale investments for the first time in our history.
In addition, our annual More House Fund has grown from $50,000 in 1991 to $240,000 in 2008 and our Sunday collections from $25,000 to $90,000 in the same time period.
The center is named The Thomas E. Golden Jr. Center in recognition of a multi-million dollar testamentary agreement that Mr. Golden '51, '52 M.Eng. signed to endow the programs of the chapel and center in perpetuity.
The chapel’s board of trustees signed a 99-year lease with Yale University for university property at 248-258 Park Street (south parcel) for $20, allowing for our construction of a 30,000 sq. ft. center connected to the chapel at 268 Park Street. This agreement also called for the board to build a 3,000 sq. ft. building to be used for commercial retail usage at Yale's discretion.
Pelli Clarke Pelli was the architectural firm engaged by the chapel’s board of trustees for the design of the new center and the building for commercial retail space. Knight Architecture was retained for the renovation of the chapel and residence. Petra Construction Company was the contractor for all phases of these projects.
President Richard Levin and Yale's administration have been very supportive and have agreed to extend class reunion credit for all gifts and pledges to The Saint Thomas More Building Fund by graduates of Yale College.
Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, D.D., Archbishop of Hartford, officiated at groundbreaking ceremonies on October 10, 2004 and, with President Levin, took part in the dedication of the center on December 2, 2006. Archbishop Mansell returned on October 11, 2008 to rededicate the renovated chapel, seventy years after the original dedication of the chapel in 1938.
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