Behind the name of the Cornerstone Chapel
Located in the central part of the Lee University campus, the Cornerstone Chapel is one of the school’s most recognizable buildings. Though the building has been around since the early 2010s, it did not receive a name until this year. Though the name “Cornerstone” is new, the chapel will continue to serve the same purpose it always has.
The Cornestone Chapel is located on the corner of North Ocoee Street and 11th street. Photo by Emma Sargent.
Before the Cornerstone Chapel was built, Lee did not have a building specifically designed for worship.
“We didn't have a place that was a smaller place of worship, that's intimate and beautiful. So when we built it, it was meant to be a sacred space for students and the community to come be a part of,” President Dr. Phil Cook said.
The original gift for the building was given by Raymond and Joan Conn, and the building was dedicated at homecoming in 2011. The couple has naming rights, and has deliberated and prayed over what the name should be.
“Some folks [thought we should] put a name, like a family name on. We have a lot of buildings like that. Then we started thinking about more broad spiritual terms,” Cook said.
Ultimately, it was decided that the name of the chapel would be based on a set of verses: Ephesians 2:19 - 22. Verse 20 states that Jesus Christ is the “chief cornerstone” of the church.
Chancellor Dr. Paul Conn, his wife Darlia, and Raymond and Joan Conn, decided that the verse was perfect for the name of the chapel.
“It fits quite nicely, because students and others have just taken to calling it the ‘Stone Chapel,’ because of the way it's built, and it's the only building like that on campus. It's unique,” Cook said.
Cook himself has special memories of the chapel. He was the first person to speak publicly at the Cornerstone Chapel, and two of his children got married in the chapel. Cook recalls how special it was to visit the chapel during the prayer vigil that took place in February 2023:
“I went on two different occasions … and watched the students praying and drawing close to the Lord, so that’s a very special memory for me,” Cook said.
After 15 years of serving as a place for chapel services, community events, weddings, or simply a space where students can find rest, the Cornerstone Chapel will continue to be a special place on Lee University’s campus.
The Cornerstone Chapel features several stained glass windows that encapsulate the university’s cornerstone scriptures. Photo by Aubrianna Brown.
“We're grateful for the history of the Cornerstone Chapel up until now. We think the name really is a nice continuation of the purpose of the chapel, absolutely … We're excited about the continued use for our students, faculty and staff,” Cook said.
