Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel

Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel is situated on a prominent corner of the St. Edward’s University campus. Following its 2014 renovation, the chapel is supplemented by a contemporary Campus Ministry building and a contemplative garden that is open to all. The renovation maintained the materials and style of the original construction, while adding natural light and exposing the existing roof structure to open up the space. The warm wooden interior is complemented by furniture and sacred objects designed and crafted by local artisans.

Built in 1897 near the campus entrance, this building is one of the oldest structures at St. Edward’s University. Before becoming a chapel in 1947, the structure served as an auditorium, theater, classroom, woodworking shop, and shooting range. In 2014, the chapel underwent a gentle renovation that sought to increase natural light and accentuate the simplicity of the material palette. The design team applied a light touch to the existing building, electing to emphasize the beauty of what was already there: a new clerestory window illuminates the altar from above; a fresh coat of white paint on the exposed trusses and ceiling brightens the sanctuary; and new pine paneling on the east and west walls add warmth to the space. The renovated chapel was dedicated on October 21, 2014.

Developed in tandem with the renovation work, local furniture designer Mark Maček (Maček Furniture Company) created a collection of custom religious furnishings for Our Lady Queen of Peace. In a reminder that out of death comes new life, the fabricator used lumber from fallen cedar elm and walnut trees on the St. Edward’s campus to create the altar, tabernacle, crucifix, and baptismal font. Maček organized a team of local artisans—including a sculptor, fused glass artist, and metalworker—to create additional liturgical objects for the chapel. This group of artists created modern interpretations of many of the traditional sacred objects of Christianity, bringing the chapel into a new era of worship.

Tucked behind the chapel, a contemporary addition provides a new home for the Campus Ministry. A glass ‘bridge’ connects the addition to the chapel, acting as a circulation space and flexible community room. To the south, the glass volume extends outward towards the contemplative garden. The garden is designed for sustainability, incorporating native, drought-tolerant plants and centering around the movement of rainwater water through the landscape via an environmentally-friendly water feature. Open to all, the outdoor retreat offers a place for quiet reflection at the heart of campus. – Abigail Thomas