5 The Pen, November 1995
News Features
St. Augustine's
College's 100
year old Chapel
by Tyjuana Wilson
The Wake County Historical Commission declares it an historic site. So does the National Registry of Historic Sites.
Too bad many others don’t think so.
The Saint Augustine’s College Chapel, this year, celebrates 100 years of service to the college community. The Chapel provides a peaceful haven for students, faculty and
anyone else who would like to worship and serve the Lord. Unfortunately, there is little interest from most of the College in learning about the services or significance of the
historic site and in becoming involved in the preservation of it.
The cornerstone of the Chapel was laid on July 15,1895, oy tuoents who were very involved in the landmark. The first service was held here Christmas Day of the same
year.
The Chapel contains plaques for clergymen of the past on its brick and wooden walls. Lines of pews fill up the somewhat narrow sanctuary. Stacks of pamphlets about the
Episcopal Church and the College Chapel are in both of the back pews.
Up front, the Madonna looks up toward Heaven with her arms open to welcome visitors.
The bishop’s chair stands in the santuary as a memorial for the Right Reverend Henry Beard Delany He was the first black bishop to graduate from Saint Augustine’s and
the only black Episcopal bishop from North Carolina.
Since the College’s Chaplain, Reverend Dr. Raleigh Hairston, came to Saint Augustine’s in March he has decorated the sanctuary with pictures of African-American
religious themes because “the walls looked bare—it’s almost depressing.” He has also prepared an orientation manual containing information on the Chapel, the Episcopal
Church and related subjects.
“On a given Sunday, only 15-20 students attend chapel services,” he says, "and only 8 faculty members attend it regularly each week.”
The Reverend feels the reason more students don’t attend the Chapel is because it is not mandatory. Also, many of the students already attend services at other churches,
where they are familiar with the procedures.
For some students, the reason for not attending the Chapel is simple;
“I’m not getting a grade for it,” says “Tarzan”, a junior who admits he has never attended the landmark.
“BMI”, who is also a junior, admits as well he never has, and never will, attend the Chapel.
“It’s not mandatory. I’m a fiill-time student plus I work part time. Why should I waste my time on something that’s not accredible to me—or my degree?” He protests.
According to The Reverend Canon Malone, Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, Saint Augustine’s used to have an active chapel program. Stating that the
diocese has no control of the Chapel, he hopes it will be revitalized for students in order for them to get involved in the Church.
“There’s not enough black clergy (in the Church). Saint Augustine’s used to produce them,” Rev. Malone says.
He also says that the Episcopal Church has always been a place of opportunity for African-Americans since the civil rights movement by helping to bring an end to
segregation and a beginning to equal rights.
Perhaps a look at what other colleges are doing for their students’ chapel program will give Saint Augustine’s some ideas:
At Saint Mary’s College freshmen are required to attend services weekly. With funding provided by the school and students there are programs created in the chapel with
the students’ interests in mind. An honors program is given each year to celebrate the students’ academic achievements. Activities such as trips to the beach are subsidised by
the chapel, so the students are enjoying themselves while attending chapel. The chapel is only open for students and alumni and regular upkeeping of the building is required.
Saint Mary’s Chaplain Ellington says to get students interested in attending chapel, offer sometWng they’ll like.
“Feed them,” she says. “The way to students’ souls is through their stomachs.”
Peace College offers monthly events for its students in their chapel such as an honors ceremony and holiday celebrations throughout the year. It is open to the community
and, like Saint Mary’s, attendence is required for freshmen.
“There is nothing that can be done to change my mind about going to the Chapel,” "Tarzan" says.
Jennell Ephraim, also a junior, has attended the Chapel, twice. However, the ritual of the services wasn’t familiar to her, since she is a Baptist.
“The Chapel looks dead. Most of the time it doesn’t look like anyone is there or has ever been there. It has a dim, gloomy appeal,” she says.
Ephraim didn’t know the Chapel is celebrating 100 of service to the College. She feels something should be done to let students know that it is the Chapel’s 100th birthday
The College Chapel’s 100th year promises to be the year of rebirth for the landmark, according to Reverend Hairston. Not only is he making the effort to fix the lighting and
the walls but he is opening his doors for consultation to “help enhance the spiritual life of the students and faculty.”
He welcomes students, or anyone else, with any ideas concerning the Chapel to stop by his office in the Boyer Building at Saint Augustine’s College.
SECURITY GUABD COMMISSIONED AS A
POLICE OFFICEl AT ST. AUG
by Natosha Kennedy
On October 18, Cedric Venable was commissioned as a
Company Police Officer at Saint Augustine’s College. While
working at St. Aug in the day and attending classes at Wake
Technical College in the evening, Venable was able to complete
the program in eight months. He graduated in May after passing
the state exam.
Asked about his feelings about acquiring his new
position, Venable simply said, “I basically feel the same. I just
have more responsibilities.” He added that the only difference
between being a security officer and a police officer is that he has
the authority to arrest but, “I am still sworn in to uphold the law
whether I am a working in security or in law enforcement.”
The Henderson N.C. native has been an employee at St.
Aug for six years and eight months. He also attended the college
and has a son who is a student at the college. Besides his duties
as a police officer, Venable does lectures at schools on safety,
drugs and violence and is also very active in the community
Congratulations to Mr. Venable from the St. Aug family.
THE WRITING RESOURCE CENTER
by Natosha Kennedy
Do you need help getting started on a term p^r or developing a thesis statement? Do you
need any assistance on writing a resume’? Or you just can’t get that subject and verb to agree? Well, you
might need to visit the Writing Resource Center, located in Room 306 of the Boyer Building.
The Writing Resource Center is a place where students can come to get assistance with every
aspect of any type of paper. Ms. Barbara Ritter, Writing Center Supervisor, says, “We want to produce a
comfortable atmosphere where students feel open, trusting, and where ideas can be freely shared.” Ritter
says that she enjoys being able to work individually with the students. “That is my favorite part of the job.”
She adds that everyone can benefit from the Writing Resource Center, where papers are reviewed objectively.
Ritter comments that some students think that the center is a “fix-it shop,” where students come
out with a perfect paper. “Students need to understand our purpose and know that writing is a process.”
Working with Ms. Ritter are six Peer Tutors who assist students in the writing process. Latonya
James, a tutor in the Writing Center for almost two years, says that she likes tutoring because, “It gives me
a chance to share my ideas and thoughts with different people on a daily basis.” She adds that she also
likes working one-on-one with students and getting to meet people on campus that she would not normally
get to meet.
Jason Boone, a sophomore from Gates, N.C., likes the atmosphere of the Writing Resource Center
and has a great deal of respect for the tutors. “It’s very quiet and the tutors take time to help people, and
they don’t try to intimidate you,” Boone says.
The Writing Resource Center accepts appointments and walk-ins. Professors can also make
referrals for their students. The hours are posted beside the door. Students can make appointments by
calling 516-4484.