Chapel Services Changed

The Chapel Committee, consisting of one representative from each class appointed by Palaeopitus and Dr. Chamberlin, chapel director, tried out a change in the daily chapel program between the Christmas vacation and the beginning of the exam period on January 26. The change resulted in increased daily attendance.

First the purpose of chapel was brought up. It was felt almost unanimously that morning chapel should be a place where students and members of the faculty could go for a few minutes of relaxation to get away from the rush of college routine. To sit down quietly, forget the worries of work, and enjoy soft music is what the majority want. The average student does not want to be lectured to or have to concentrate on some theme, for that is what he does during the rest of the day. He comes to chapel to get away from mental exertion and to enjoy a short period of peace and relaxation. Furthermore, in so brief a service it is difficult to get adjusted for a ten minute talk on a topic that often deserves an hour's treatment and consequently very little is gained in that way.

With these points in mind the committee decided that the musical services best answered the needs of the majority of the college, for during a musical service one can relax and really feel refreshed when it is over. But as there are many who do like the short talks and selected readings, these will not be entirely abandoned. The number of musical services will be increased to four a week, including one day by the Glee Club, one by Professor Whitford on the organ, one instrumental day and one by the quartet or the Freshman Glee Club. Professor Rose and the Rev. Mr. Spence of the White Church will take charge of the remaining two days. Periods of silent prayer and hymns will be made use of; the hymns being sung while the group is seated to avoid undue disturbance as much as possible.

Some 25 letters from different members of the faculty have been received in answer to a circular sent out concerning the chapel services. Practically without exception they stressed the value of the musical services over the other kinds.