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Project name: George Fox University Chapel

Location: Newberg

Completion: June 2024

Size: 7,500 square feet

Owner/Developer: George Fox University

Architect: Soderstrom Architects

Engineers: Systems West, KPFF

General Contractor: Todd Construction

Submitting Company: Todd Construction

Other Associates/Key Consultants: B&B Masonry, Cascade Acoustics, MC Interiors,

Subcontractors: Advanced Welding & Steel, Affinity NW Landscaping, American Heating, American Welding Services, Bear Electric, Bell Hardware of Salem, Black Line Glazing, Brix Paving Northwest, Columbia Cascade, D&T Excavation, Dual Force Construction, Floor Solutions, Flynn BEC, Insulation Contractors WA, Longhorn Geomatics, NW Masonry Restoration, Pacific Pole Base Drilling, RedBuilt, Roedel Tile Contracting, Sierra Pacific Windows, Sound Fire Protection, Town & Country Fence Co. of Oregon, Western Wood Structures, WH Cress, Williamsen & Bleid

A striking new chapel has transformed the skyline of George Fox University’s campus, providing the school’s first building fully dedicated to worship.

The 7,500-square-foot structure, completed in spring 2024, features clear vertical grain Western red cedar siding, glulam beams and brick veneer trim. Its soaring 46-foot height, custom stained-glass windows and 13-foot entry doors create an immediate visual impact.

“The use of natural elements, the soaring height of the building, and location near the wooded Hess Creek canyon all provide a unique experience that will connect the community with God for generations,” GFU President Robin Baker told the George Fox Journal.

The chapel seats approximately 275 people and was made possible through alumni donations. It represents the first chapel built on an Oregon university campus since Lewis & Clark College completed its Agnes Flanagan Chapel 56 years ago.

The interior showcases a fully exposed cathedral ceiling of Douglas fir glulam beams, hand-painted murals, and a pipe organ. Students contributed meaningfully to the space, writing prayers and Bible verses on the concrete slab before flooring was installed and collaborating with stained-glass artist Bryant Stanton on 23 windows depicting biblical scenes.

Professor Tim Timmerman hand-painted two large vertical murals titled “The Peaceable Kingdom Come” that hang at the back of the sanctuary.

Soderstrom Architects of Portland designed the chapel while Todd Construction of Tualatin built it, marking their ninth collaborative project on campus in the past decade.

The construction presented unique challenges including the building’s height, steep roof requiring rappelling equipment for installation, and precise craftsmanship needed for the exposed wood design.

A Hobbit-inspired door leads to the chapel library, featuring works by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Outside, an Alumni Garden includes engraved brick pathways and will feature a 12-foot Celtic cross hand-carved from sandstone by an Irish artist.

The chapel supports sustainability through regionally sourced construction materials and will serve both the university community and visitors, with its outstanding acoustics expected to attract musical performances.

鈥淎t the center of our campus, we believe the Chapel inspires contemplation, evokes wonder, and fosters a deeper connection with the Lord,鈥� noted Baker in the Top Projects submission form. 鈥淚n a world driven by technology, we conceived a space to reconnect with something more profound than modern conveniences. It’s not a place of escape but one of significant meaning and genuine connection.鈥�