Cannon Chapel

Cannon Chapel, Emory's nondenominational chapel, is the center of spiritual life on campus. From Protestants to Buddhists, it welcomes everyone with open arms, spanning more than 20 diverse religious and philosophical gatherings. It also hosts many special events, such as university ceremonies, concerts, and weddings, creating an atmosphere that celebrates tradition as well as personal faith.

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Cannon Chapel: A Vibrant Hub of Spiritual Activity

Cannon Chapel History

Cannon Chapel Design

⭐ Cannon Chapel: A Vibrant Hub of Spiritual Activity

Cannon Chapel is a vibrant hub of spiritual activity on campus. It's home to the university chaplain and dean of spiritual and religious life, the Candler School of Theology assistant dean for worship and music, and their colleagues—all dedicated to providing an inclusive space where students can explore their faith. Inside you'll find a multi-faith chapel, prayer rooms, and classroom facilities, as well as meeting spaces perfect for connecting with other like-minded individuals in meaningful ways.

A Place for Prayerful Contemplation

The building was designed to be intentionally interfaith, with no permanent religious symbols in the interior, and flexible seating in the round. It is a living testament to unity, inclusivity, and respect for all religions. President Jimmy Carter attended the groundbreaking, and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama dedicated a living mandala garden outside the building's entrance. A place of prayerful contemplation throughout the week, it's an inspiring destination that unites us all.

⭐ Cannon Chapel History

In 1981, after the gift of a new theological library collection was housed in the Durham Chapel (now Convocation Hall), Cannon Chapel was constructed to be a multi-faith chapel, serving the academic needs of the Candler School of Theology and the multi-faith religious life needs of the university's many diverse spiritual communities. The building was designed by renowned New York architect Paul Rudolph, whose father was part of the theology school's first graduating class in 1915. Ground was broken for the new chapel by President Jimmy Carter in August 1979.

Since its opening and consecration in 1981, Cannon Chapel has welcomed students of all faiths and hosted notable events, including President Bill Clinton's Regional Southern Economic Conference, the Dalai Lama's affiliation with Emory and Drepung Loseling in Tibetan Studies, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu's meeting on reconciliation and forgiveness.

⭐ Cannon Chapel Design

The William R. Cannon Chapel is designed in the Brutalist style to resemble a train station by architect Paul Rudolph. Named for Candler dean and Methodist bishop William R. Cannon, the building's construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1981.