The centerpiece of campus, Swasey Chapel was built in 1924 and is home to major academic events, speakers, and Vail Series concerts.
Directions to Swasey Chapel →
Use Campus Life
Established 1924
Designer/Architect Arnold Brunner of Cleveland
Style Details Bedford limestone and Harvard brick laid in Flemish bond. English Stuart Revival style influenced by the London churches of Sir Christopher Wren.
Swasey Chapel Image 1
Swasey Chapel Image 2
Swasey Chapel Image 3
Swasey Chapel Image 4
Swasey Chapel Image 5
Swasey Chapel Image 6
Swasey Chapel Image 7
Swasey Chapel Image 8
Swasey Chapel Image 9
Swasey Chapel Image 10
Swasey Chapel Image 11

Upcoming Events

In 2013, the number of bells in Swasey Chapel was expanded. Now the student Bell Ringer’s Society has an even larger repertoire of classical, ecclesiastical, pop and show tunes to choose from when they play these lovely bells three times each weekday.

More about Swasey Chapel

Swasey Chapel was the first building in the ambitious "Greater Denison" plan of 1917 and honors Ambrose Swasey, a self-made man noted for his generosity of both time and money. Its chimes are a memorial to Swasey's wife, Lavinia Marston Swasey. Built in 1924, the chapel is in English Stuart Revival style influenced by the London churches of Sir Christopher Wren. Bedford limestone and Harvard brick laid in Flemish bond grace its exterior. The signature building of Denison's campus, it stands at the center of the campus.

When the thermal currents are favorable, "culture vultures," better known to birders as turkey vultures, often perch on the steeple.

 

Swasey Chapel Archives

Student walking to the stage with a smile on her face

2024 Academic Awards

Denison celebrates outstanding students and faculty at the 2024 Academic Awards Convocation.

Megan Barker ’25

Making their mark with Messiah

This year’s performance of Handel’s epic work included student soloists, a new twist on a long-running Denison tradition.

Back to top