The spire of Knowles Memorial Chapel at Rollins College can be seen high above the canopy of oak trees and buzzing minds . Daily , you can hear its bell sing at noon , throughout campus and into downtown Winter Park . The Chapel , completed in ���� , is the design of architect Ralph Adams Cram . It was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in ���� . Cram , who designed more than �� churches and cathedrals , took special care in this project . He is quoted as having said :
“ Knowles Chapel has become my pet . I feel as though I have a personal interest in the church , and I like to refer to it as MY church .”
The Chapel is designed in the style of Mediterranean Revival , which takes influence from Gothic architecture as well as from Spanish and Italian Renaissance styles . Mediterranean Revival reached a height of popularity between ���� & ���� , and can be seen in many religious and residential buildings throughout Florida and California .
Orlando ’ s Art Scene
Upward interior view of the chapels organ pipes and large stained-glass window . Photo by Jason Fronczek
ArchitectureKnowles Memorial Chapel by Matt Duke
“ Wisdom is Better Than Strength ”
Mediterranean Revival is known for its articulate entrances , stuccoed walls , tile roofs , and circular or arched windows . All these components are prevalent in the Knowles Memorial Chapel design .
Inside , six massive , blunt arches suspend the soaring wooden roof of the sanctuary . English stained glass with geometric designs line the exterior walls and cast a calm light upon the antique wooden pews and aged Spanish terracotta tiles . Ornate ecclesiastical wooden sculptures and rich designs decorate the walls and ceiling supporting the doctrinal theme . It is easy to get lost in beautiful details and the sweet smell of cool , calm air . At the exit , there is a large round stained glass window high overhead . This window was designed by Wilbur Burnham Glassmakers of Boston . Installed in ���� , it depicts the seven liberal arts of Greek Education and suggests that “ Wisdom Is Better Than Strength ”.
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