Gibbs Chapel at Converse Dedicated

The Gibbs Chapel at Converse College was formally dedicated during a noon service March 14. The chapel was made possible by a gift from Spartanburg philanthropist Jimmy Gibbs in honor of his wife Marsha and is housed in the newly renovated Montgomery Student Center.

“Spirituality is such an important aspect of the relationship Marsha and I have, and we wanted to do what we could to help Converse students grow spiritually,” said Jimmy Gibbs.

Designed by the Spartanburg-based architectural firm McMillan Smith & Partners, the 1,200 square-foot chapel has a capacity of 125 people. “The Gibbs Chapel is a great location for worship, prayer and meditation. It is not only beautiful but functional as well,” said Converse junior Jennifer Wahl of Smyrna, Ga.

Since January, numerous spiritual events have been held in The Gibbs Chapel: A dinner sponsored by the Student Christian Association and Baptist Campus Ministries drew 110 college students from throughout the Upstate; a stained glass art exhibition was featured in the chapel during Black History Month; and a weekly ecumenical worship service has been established.