First service held in newly renovated Duke Chapel
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Sunday marked a joyful celebration on Duke University's campus as the Duke Chapel hosted its first service following a multi-million dollar facelift.
Inside the church music, prayers and more were shared inside what was a packed house, filled with parishioners and members of the public alike, who came together to celebrate the first service there following a year-long renovation project.
"It's been wonderful worshipping in two or three different venues throughout the summer and the past year, but it's great to be back in the Chapel! It looks the same as it did a year ago, but it's polished up a little bit," shared Ted Ammering.
Admittedly, most of the work isn't necessarily visible to the naked eye, but it was needed nonetheless. The work included cleaning seven stained glass windows, repairing ceiling tiles which had been coming loose, and replacing the building's roof. The price tag for the work came in around $19,000,000, which is a hefty sum.
But, for many it was well worth the cost, and the wait, to make this special landmark safer for the public and restore it to its original beauty dating back to the 1930's.
"The windows are gorgeous and very detailed. It's beautiful!" exclaimed Edie Beattie.
This isn't the first look the public has gotten at the improvements. ABC11 was there when the chapel was officially reopened earlier this month.
This iconic building continues to hold a special place in the hearts of so many in Durham.
"There's a certain kind of magic, especially coming from a UNC fan!" said Steve Quasny. "But, it's a wonderful place and just brings a very diverse group of people together, and we find something we all have in common."
"I think that it's an openness and it's all-inclusive. I think this chapel is really good about that," Beatty added.
