Credit The Sentinel
Keele Chapel celebrates 60th Anniversary of Royal dedication | 9
The temporary hut where services were originally held
Now a Grade II Listed building( designated by English Heritage in 1998), the Chapel initially sparked mixed reactions – admired by some and criticised by others for its bold modernism.
The original cost estimate was £ 60,000( just over £ 1 million today), raised through a major appeal that included £ 20,000 from the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Free Churches, and nearly 2,000 smaller contributions from individuals, organisations, and local businesses. Rising costs and the need for furnishings eventually pushed the total to £ 111,000( around £ 1.9 million today). At one point, the University even appealed directly to students’ parents for support.
Historian John Kolbert later wrote that the Chapel“ could never have been built had it not been for the strenuous efforts of the Principals and Appeal Committee, the support of all denominations, and the generosity of local industry and donors.”
Today, Keele Chapel remains a Local Ecumenical Partnership( L. E. P.), representing five major Christian denominations – Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, Baptist, and United Reformed. It holds two services on Sundays, and the University has a full-time Chaplaincy team, including a Muslim Chaplain, who serve staff and students of all faiths and none.
Alongside being the venue for graduation ceremonies and musical concerts, the Chapel hosts multi-faith events such as the Langar and Grand Iftar, and serves as a space for worship, reflection, and community. It holds a small number of baptisms, weddings, and funerals each year.
“ The Chapel is open all week as a peaceful place to pause,” said Lay Catholic Chaplain Niall Hammond.
“ Students often come for quiet prayer, to light a candle, or simply to share tea and coffee – it’ s become a real home away from home for a lot of them.”