Wynne Chapel

Wynne Chapel is a historic Presbyterian chapel located on the Austin College campus in Sherman, Texas. Completed in 1958 as a gift from Toddie Lee Wynne, Sr., it serves as the spiritual and religious life center for the campus community. The chapel has undergone significant renovations, including the modernization of its sanctuary and the addition of the Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary and Sallie Majors Chapel.

Wynne Chapel is a central part of Austin College's campus, serving as a hub for religious life and community gatherings. Originally completed in 1958 as a gift from Toddie Lee Wynne, Sr., a prominent Texas oilman and civic leader, the chapel was designed to reflect the college's religious heritage. An active Presbyterian layman, Wynne was deeply committed to supporting church causes and programs nationwide. The chapel seats 600 people in the main sanctuary and an additional 120 in the balcony, with facilities including choir rooms, offices, a conference room, and a small prayer room.

A major addition in 1967 included the installation of a Carillon with 24 bronze bells imported from the Netherlands. The Aeolian-Skinner organ, also a gift from the Wynne family, was installed in 1963. In 2019, the chapel underwent a significant renovation, modernizing the sanctuary with updated projection and lighting systems, new wood flooring, and improved sound and lighting systems. The renovated space is now known as the Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary, honoring the leadership of graduate and trustee Clifford Grum. Additionally, the Sallie Majors Chapel, a multi-use room, was renovated and named in honor of Sallie Majors following a gift from Bob ’53 and Joyce Johnson.

The chapel hosts a variety of events, including concerts and religious services. The front lobby features a plaque honoring Toddie Lee Wynne Sr., a large art symbol of the Presbyterian Church, and a triptych honoring Sallie Majors and Sara Bernice Moseley, both early women leaders in the Presbyterian Church. The chapel continues to serve as a vital part of the campus community, offering a space for worship, reflection, and cultural events.

Wynne Chapel, a historic Presbyterian space on Austin College's Sherman campus, offers a blend of tradition and modernity. First-time visitors will notice its renovated sanctuary, which balances updated technology with reverence for its 1958 origins, and its role as a vibrant hub for concerts, services, and community gatherings. The chapel’s triptych and Carillon bells reflect its deep ties to Presbyterian heritage, while the Sallie Majors Chapel provides a flexible space for diverse events.

Pros

• Serves as a central campus hub for religious life and cultural events like concerts
• Features modernized sanctuary with advanced sound/lighting and historical elements like the Carillon bells
• Offers diverse facilities including choir rooms, conference spaces, and a prayer room
• Hosts high-quality music performances and religious services with notable acoustics

Cons

• Website presence is limited, offering sparse details about services or visitor expectations
• Some maintenance concerns noted in visitor feedback, including past reports of environmental issues