Historic icon continues to serve MUSCby Chris WestPublic Relations A survivor of war, natural disaster and the ravages of time, St. Luke’s Chapel still stands on its foundation of service, health and faith. Believed to have been built around 1825, the chapel was first a federal arsenal, in use as of 1832, located on the very corner on which it still stands today. After a small role in the War Between the States, it never saw military action again. In 1868 the arsenal fell under the care of Rev. Anthony Toomer Porter. Porter decided to use the facility to educate boys left destitute or orphaned by the war, which would eventually become Porter Academy. In 1965, the chapel was acquired by the then Medical College of South Carolina and by that time, the facility had endured war, the earthquake of 1886 and four major hurricanes. The Medical College rededicated the Chapel on Aug. 17, 1966 in name of St. Luke the physician and began to make the necessary repairs to the aging building. One outstanding feature of restoration came when the old Tracker Organ, made unplayable by decades of heat, cold and humidity, was replaced in 1970-1971. The old case was now adorned with intricate carvings of South Carolina’s native flora and fauna and a bull in honor of its new namesake. This began the solidification of the chapel’s devotion to college-related activities, both religious and secular. Ironically, after the much necessary restoration, the next natural disaster would prove the most damaging to the chapel. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo tore off the Gothic roof and left the building’s interior to the elements. After nearly four years of rebuilding on Feb. 10, 1994, the building’s restorations were complete and the chapel and its services were again rededicated to the university. Through the many roles it has played in the past, it now stands as a facility of service to MUSC, the Porter-Gaud School and the Charleston community. But it has never strayed from its role as a timeline of history in the South. “In many ways the chapel tells its own story,” said Pam DeFratus, director of St. Luke’s Chapel. “Some original fixtures still stand and the ones that had to be replaced were based on originals. It was rebuilt according to the original integrity of the chapel while celebrating and remembering significant events from its past.” But instead of simply remembering past events in the chapel’s history, they are displayed. A stained glass piece was erected to commemorate Hurricane Hugo’s profound effect on the chapel and unusable shards from the severely damaged Chancel Window were salvaged during its restorations and have been incorporated into a beautiful door panel. Also always in remembrance is the chapel's commitment to service and community. The MUSC community and Charleston community, that is. “We have several annual ceremonies that are important to MUSC,” Defratus said. “The first Tuesday of December, we hold the Anatomical Gift Service to recognize those who make many areas of research possible, our Ash Wednesday service is always well attended, the Student Government Association holds its Friday concert series and we have even taken part in some past commencement ceremonies.” But the chapel's services are also extended farther to include the local community. “St. Luke's is a popular wedding venue not only for the members of the Medical University and Porter-Gaud families, but for all who appreciate its history and charm,” Defratus said. “During the academic year the Recital Series is scheduled each Tuesday at 12:15, the SGA Concert series is held on select Friday evenings and a University campus minister celebrates Mass on Wednesdays at noon for students, faculty and staff.” For information on booking or reserving St. Luke’s Chapel contact Pam Defratus at 792-6775. Gifts to St.Luke's Chapel are encourged and sincerely appreciated. Cash gifts should be designated for the St. Luke's Chapel Fund of the Health Sciences Foundation. This fund is disbursed at the discretion of the St. Luke's Chapel Committee for priority needs as set and periodically updated by the committee. Gifts in kind are also possible, but do require preapproval by the chapel committee to assure the gift is meeting the priority needs. In addition, the chapel office maintains a current list of possible opportunities for memorial namings in association with specified gifts and amounts. Fall 2001 St. Luke's Recital Series
Visit St. Luke's Chapel Web site
|