Historic building in Denton is recognized for its significance to community

by Casandra Haynes

DENTON — The Little Chapel-in-the-Woods at Texas Woman’s University is one of the oldest buildings at TWU. About 300 students and faculty members helped build the chapel in 1939, and ever since then, its doors have hardly ever shut.

"Students did a lot of the work on the stained glass, the hand carvings on the pews, and other things around the building," said Vice President of Student Life Richard Nicholas. "They practically did everything except lay the actual brick down." The building was later dedicated by Eleanor Roosevelt after its first wedding was held there.

Today, it's open year round for student organization installations, weddings, church services, and other events. Students, alumni, and non-affiliated members of the community have been married there, as evidenced by the bride book, where they keep track of all the names of people who have had weddings at the chapel.

The building still plays a huge part in the community. Although there are thousands of students coming in and out of TWU yearly, the building's significance still remains the same. "Students gather there for different reasons, so I believe the building gives students a permanent link back to TWU," Nicholas said.

According to TWU’s conference services website, the chapel was designed by architect O'Neil Ford and is designated as one of Texas' 20 most outstanding architectural achievements by the Texas Society of Architects. It was featured in March as Texas Monthly’s The Best 10 Buildings in Texas.

The Little Chapel-in-the-Woods’ 70th anniversary is this week, and the school will host a celebration at TWU on Tuesday with a small ceremony and reception.

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