Elliston Chapel at East Village, Baylor University, Waco, TX

stained glass window at Elliston Chapel, Baylor University, Waco, Texas

A simple chapel full of light. A beautiful modern stained glass window depicting the “dayspring on high” as described in the Gospel of Luke. The newest student chapel at Baylor University in Waco, Texas is a quiet and reverential place, and has become one of the most peaceful and spiritual spots on campus. Here, students and faculty can attend daily vespers or matins services, or just sit quietly when they need some spiritual refreshment during the day.

Elliston Chapel at East Village, Baylor University

Although Baylor University is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, the university's Office of Spiritual Life holds programs and offers support for students of any or no faith. Throughout the year, the university holds a number of interfaith programs designed to foster fellowship and understanding. Elliston Chapel holds true to this mission.

stained glass window in Elliston Chapel

The modern architecture of the small interfaith chapel eschews overt Christian symbolism. The bright stained glass window behind the small podium depicts the Tree of Life rather than a cross, flame, or dove. Though the chapel is definitely influenced by Christianity, the chapel is available for students of any faith to hold services, or even to enter during the day for moments of meditation or quiet contemplation.

The Tree of Life, Stained Glass Window, Elliston Chapel

I visited my old Alma mater on a sunny June day. The sun was bright, and the weather was hot, not atypical for summer in central Texas. Elliston Chapel is new since I graduated, and I had never been inside before. I was impressed by the bright and cheerful interior, which reflects a sense of joy and happiness.

I had planned to visit each of Baylor University's several chapels, however to my disappointement, most of them were locked. It was, after all, summer, and the students were gone for the holiday. The campus was empty. It was also a Saturday. In hindsight, it may not have been the best time to try to visit the university!

Visiting Elliston Chapel

During the school year, weekday matins and vesper services are held in the morning and evening respectively, and a number of ecumenical services are held throughout the year.

The chapel is open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Of all of Baylor's several chapels, Elliston Chapel was the only one that was open when the campus was closed for the summer.

Finding Elliston Chapel at Baylor University

Elliston Chapel is located on the Baylor campus at 300 Bagby Ave, Waco, TX 76706. The chapel is a part of the North Village Residential College.