Swasey turns 💯

A magnificent gift

The highest point on campus, Swasey Chapel has served as a lodestar for generations of students returning home to The Hill.

Dedicated in 1924 and funded by trustee Ambrose Swasey, the chapel was built as a house of worship and served as the centerpiece of the Greater Denison expansion plan. Today, it hosts ceremonies both spiritual and secular, performances and artists of all genres, and too many weddings to count.

In times of joy and sorrow, in days of celebration and remembrance, no place on campus has united us like Swasey.

Swasey Centennial icon

A true campus icon.

Classic photo of Swasey Chapel
Swasey Chapel peaks out of the morning fog
The moon rises over Swasey
Celebration inside of the chapel
Swasey Chapel during construction
The iconic view of Swasey Chapel in autumn
Swasey Chapel rises up in the morning sun
Completed in 1924
Swasey’s height Over 140 feet!
bricks make up Swasey's walls 700,000+ Red brick
First Swasey wedding:
(Josephine Darrow ❤️ Gordon Shorney) May 17, 1924
Named for American mechanical engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, astronomer, and philanthropist Ambrose Swasey Ambrose Swasey
organ pipes 3,207
Swasey's own "semi-secret society" The Bell Ringers

Listen: "To Denison" on the chapel bells

A century of Swasey

Swasey Chapel through the autumn trees
The Top of The Hill Swasey's aging gracefully by adapting to the times.
Swasey Chapel during construction
The Architecture Unique architecture? That's not what makes Swasey special.
Steve Carell on stage during his visit to Denison
The Stage See the world-class talent that has graced Swasey's stage.
Swasey Chapel's organ
The Organ See how organ donors restored Swasey's sound.
Swasey's bells before getting installed in the tower
The Bell Ringers The Reporting Project reveals Swasey’s century-old secret.
Shrub growing in Swasey Chapel's bell tower
The Shrub The chapel holds a few secrets and colorful stories. And yes, a shrub.

Upcoming Events at Swasey

Dec.
05

Gospel Choir concert

The Gospel Choir presents its fall semester concert, directed by Timothy “REV” Carpenter.

7:00pm

Support the next century of Swasey

Swasey Chapel has undergone more than a half dozen significant renovations, including the recent rebuilding of the pipe organ. As it begins its second century, the campus icon will need further work to retain its beauty and relevance.  

Make a gift today to support renovations and maintenance!

Make a gift now
Swasey at nightfall

Picture-perfect celebrations

Weddings, award ceremonies, standing ovations: the chapel is a place for joy.

The Celebrations
Student at academic awards convocation

Your best Swasey moment belongs here.

The chapel is a place where memories are made. Tell us about your favorite experiences, whether it’s ringing the bells, accepting awards, seeing a great show, or saying ‘I do’ in front of family and friends. Send us your photos, too! 

Share with us
Swasey Centennial icon
Back to top