It has stood for 129 years.  129 years of prayer, liturgies, sermons, convocations and many heady and at times less heady conversations.  In that space I watched classmates deliver their first sermon.  Visiting seminarians from Russia and our student body, most of whom did not share a common language, sang a Kyrie together in that space which was one of those beyond reality moments (this was before the Berlin Wall had fallen).  Many moments of faith wrestling were engaged there.  As well it was periodically attended by Amanda whose history you will have to ask me about.  On a visit to the seminary during a vacation several years ago, I paraded Gina and Leah across the seminary grounds and took them into the chapel.  It was important to me that their presence be a part of that space.

It is hard to see the video and look at the pictures.  All those moments now enshrouded in ashes.  The emotions keep growing. 

I am not yet ready to talk about what could replace it.  Indeed on one hand nothing can replace it.  Something new will appear.  In some ways it will be a true improvement as the space was not always the easiest to work with, was a bit too small and not the most imaginative of worship spaces.  And yet that musty, cramped, too linear of a space was marinated in the yearning of generations.

So today I will sit with the loss.  I will read the entries of friends on Facebook, recall the memories and view the pictures.  Images of our shared life will continue to pass through my mind.  I will have to find a way to be with and live through this ending.

“Signs of endings all around us; Come O Christ and dwell among us; give us hope and faith and gladness.  Show us what there yet can be.”  Hymn 721 Wonder, Love and Praise.

Peace,

Todd Donatelli