The Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel has had many updates in preparation for the school year.
The updating took place over the summer and includes a television, monitor, Internet hookup and a praise leadership group.
University Minister Ira DeSpain said the electronic upgrades have allowed him to use different options other than paper, as the television has given the chapel services a paperless format.
Everything that chapel attendees need to see is on the screen and there is also a monitor in the back room of the chapel for overflow.
“The television screen helps smooth the flow of the chapel services,” senior Bryce Lathrop said. “There are fewer pauses.”
The Internet connection has given DeSpain the capability to incorporate video clips into his messages.
DeSpain said the chapel has a permit that gives him the right to use clips.
“The video clips give the chapel services more of a variety,” Lathrop said.
DeSpain uses the video clips to give a better understanding of the message in relation to the world.
“(The video clips) help visual people to connect with the message,” junior Michael Turnbo said.
With the electronic updates also came a new sound. In previous years, worship has been led by one person, but now with the help of a few choir members, the worship is lead by a praise team. The praise team also added to the sound by the addition of a violin, which is played by Turnbo.
Lathrop said the praise team, along with the violin, has helped make worship more enjoyable.
“It feels great to be involved in the new addition to worship,” Turnbo said.
The new technology, as a whole, cost $3,500. Former Baker University President Ralph Tanner gave the chapel a challenge gift.
To reach this challenge, Baker sent out appeal letters to all the clergy alumni. The letter stated Baker was trying to raise money to match the challenge made by Tanner.
The chapel had a great response to the letters sent out, which is the reason Baker has been able to get new equipment for the chapel.
The donors attended the Homecoming chapel service at 10 a.m. Oct. 23 and were recognized during the service for their willingness to give to Baker.
