Biola University chapel gets makeover and it’s sparkly
The interior of Biola University’s 42-year-old Calvary Chapel underwent a glitzy makeover, and on Friday, it was dedicated by students and staff at a service of worship at the La Mirada campus.
Danish artists Peter Brandes and Maja Lisa Engelhardt preserved the original architecture from John Andre Gougeon and then created new contemporary art in the form of stained glass windows, a gilded wall relief, innovative lighting, and re-designed architectural elements. Significant changes were made to the flooring, walls, seating, lighting and colors, according to information supplied by Biola University.
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Engelhardt created a 24K gilded relief, titled “Resurrection.” It’s 17 1/2 feet tall, 31 feet wide. A 500-pound gilded bronze cross sculpture was installed above the building’s entrance.
Brandes created 32 hand-cut stained glass windows, depicting biblical narratives from the Old and New testaments that focus on themes of resurrection and the promise of new life in Christ.
The project began in June with the arrival of a trans-Atlantic shipment from Denmark, containing art pieces and tools needed to perform the work.
The effort is appreciated, Biola President Barry Corey and his wife, Paula, said in a letter to the campus.
“What they have created for our chapel will draw not only the Biola community to a new depth of worship but we pray that all who visit will come to experience the presence of God and the glory of the resurrected and exalted Christ,” they wrote.
The renovation was funded through donations and special interest from university boosters, including philanthropist and former Biola visionary-in-residence Roberta Ahmanson.