Scores of other gifts, large and small, came from individuals, congregations, and dioceses to honor and to give thanks for loved ones. Ark. Set amongst a grove of trees on a gentle incline in front of the seminary's academic building, the towering, angular wooden chapel defines the presence of the seminary on the campus of 1,330 undergraduate students pursuing a liberal arts education and 106 students studying theology. The cypress exterior and slate roof with skylights along the peak, is surrounded by sandstone walls and a plaza which connects to the seminary's academic building. Inside, amidst handcrafted lighting, the cross bracing of interlocking beams of Douglas fir rises to 53-feet to create a ceiling of natural angles. The small and large pieces cast shadows which play on the interior and make a palette of colors.
Natural light is very important.
A small oratory, a place set apart for prayer, is located to one side of the narthex. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it also includes a reconciliation room. A partner with architect E. Fay Jones since 1973, Jennings, was the on-site architect for the firm. The firm has received broad acclaim for its designs of residences and sacred places. Construction of the building was by Orion Construction Inc. of Nashville, under the direction of Tim Luppe, project manager.