A. F. Siebert Chapel
The A. F. Siebert Chapel was commissioned in 1971 and completed in 1975. This striking building has been the chief symbol of spiritual life at Carthage for 40 years, and it is the primary space in which the Carthage community assembles for worship, convocations, and other events that are essential to the Carthage identity and heritage.
Siebert Chapel is located in the middle of the Carthage campus, in close proximity to the Hedberg Library and the Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center. It is symbolic of the College’s relationship to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its roots in the Christian faith. Together these buildings represent the holistic values of Carthage that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Siebert Chapel seats 1,325. In addition to the weekly Chapel Series, the Chapel hosts the College’s annual Christmas Festival held the first full weekend in December. Many music events are held in the Chapel throughout the year along with other all college events.
The massive Fritsch Memorial Organ holds a prominent place in the Chapel. This four-manual tracker-action pipe organ designed by Casavant Frères of Quebec, Canada, contains 3,495 pipes in five divisions.
Additional Chapel Spaces
Through the years, Carthage has dedicated other chapel spaces to enhance the spiritual life of our campus. Each chapel bears a name that connects the Carthage community with an enduring story of love, devotion, and generosity: Albert Siebert, Lena Ehrler, Walter Fritsch, and Joan Potente. These chapels represent our longing to share the grace of God through worship and prayer, performing arts, and great ideas, and through public service.
Ehrler Hospitality Center
Located in the A. F. Siebert Chapel complex, this space was renovated in summer 2014 to become a place for students to hang out, study, play games, or have lunch. Free tea and hot chocolate are always available in winter and a water cooler is available to fill water bottles between classes. Ehrler is used for Interfaith Lunch, study groups, student organization meetings, and other gatherings. In Ehrler, you may also find homemade cookies from Pastor Kara’s kitchen.
Walter Fritsch Meditation Chapel
The 40-seat Fritsch Meditation Chapel, situated in a grove of trees across from Lentz Hall, was constructed of native Lannon stone with timber frames. It is used by individuals and small groups for private meditation, Eucharist and prayer services. The chapel has a Greek cross fashioned by internationally renowned liturgical artist Eugene Potente Jr.
Joan C. Potente Chapel
This chapel, nestled among The Oaks Residential Village at the south end of campus, provides an oasis for nurturing the spirit. Six geothermal wells were installed beneath the chapel, providing its temperature control. The only energy used to heat and cool the chapel is the electricity needed to run a pump and fan.