Battell Chapel Virtual Tour
The interior of the chapel fulfills the purpose for which it was designed, as a memorial chapel to those fallen in the Civil War and early benefactors and tutors of the college. Elaborately carved solid oak is employed throughout, from the paneled walls to the rosettes gracing the ends of the pews. The walls are intricately stenciled with various patterns and bands so as to create a decreasing complexity in the pattern as it progresses up the wall. The object is to avoid competition with the brilliant windows at the clerestory level. The original design called for a vaulted ceiling, but as money was limited, the decision to flatten the ceiling was necessary. The panel work of the ceiling is in blue and gold.
From a position within the nave, one is surrounded by numerous memorials, in windows and plaques, to officers of the college. The windows are mentioned in other parts of this tour, and all which need be said about the plaques is that they are reminder to many of the later presidents to serve the University and other important figures in the history of the institution. One tablet, however, deserves attention in that it recognizes the benefactor of the chapel. The brass plaque next to the eagle lectern is in memory of Joseph Battell and his sister, Irene Battell Larned.
In memoriam Josephi Battell, qui, die XVII Apr. AD MDCCCVI natus, mortuus est VIII Jul. AD MDCCCLXXIV.
Eum et reverenter coluisse Deum et alienis utilitatibus penitus studuisse semper sit documento haec aedes sacra. Neque nimius memoria est tenenda dilecta illius soro, Irene Larned, William Augustus Larned uxor, quae vitam suam, suavissimis quasi morum harmoniis et fide plenam, ad exitum perduxit die v Maii, AD MDCCCLXXVII, annos nata LXV.
In memory of Joseph Battell, who was born April 17, 1806, and died July 8, 1874. Of his devoutness and beneficence let this church be a witness.
Equally worthy of remembrance is his beloved sister, Irene Larned, wife of William Augustus Larned, who chose a life full of faith and of the sweetest harmonies of character on the fifth of May, 1877.
Two medieval symbols appear on the pier walls, gracing the arch leading into the apse. Their inclusion in the chapel indicates the firm orthodox confession of the Church catholic upon which this college was founded. The symbol to the left represents the doctrine of the Trinity, the wording so arranged as to read: Deus est Pater; Deus est Filius; Deus est Spiritus; Pater non est Filius; Pater non est Spiritus; Filius non est Pater; Filius non est Spiritus; Spiritus non est Pater; Spiritus non est Filius. The symbol on the right pier represents the offices of Christ, the arranged around the common X, Rex, Lex, Lux and Dux.
