Duke University Chapel

My favorite building in NC. If you have time in December you should attend a Christmas program. The choir sounds like angels singing.

I have had the honor and pleasure of experiencing a beautiful ceremony here for my little brother’s wedding. It is the perfect place for my brother and his wife being both Duke alums.
The chapel itself is gorgeous from the stained glass windows, to the art on the walls from local artists. The grand organ they have is just mesmerizing.
We also got to listen to one of the sermons, on Sunday before we left. It was on a story about «Doubting Thomas.» Lesson was on not to know more than you need to know. It was interesting how he related to our daily life and it was great how the preacher had a sense of humor and made some jokes here and there to keep the listeners engaged.
The choir was amazing. It was pretty neat how they came out on to the floor and surrounded us to give us that full musical experience that just came at us in all different directions.
Definitely recommended to check out, if you aren’t religious, then just for the beauty of it.

This place is a must see if you’re in the area. It is breathtaking and beautiful both inside and out. They even have a scavenger hint for the kids — see photo :)

A breathtaking space. Gentleman at the information desk was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the chapel.

Gorgeous! Romantik! Cool! Gothic Architecture, Haunting Charm, like a Castle form a tale of _​_​and _​_​_​…This part of Duke is so Picturesque! Ignore the Crane in some of my shots… this is Restoration! My second visit was 5-​31-​2014, most of the Student body was gone, though a nice crowd of tourist were touring the Chapel! I want to see (and Photograph) it in Fall!

Proud symbol of Duke University, and a great place to visit. Though it is undergoing quite a bit construction right now, the chapel is a gorgeous sight both inside and outside. The gothic architecture and stained glass windows are lovely to behold. Up to 2014 they always hdld freshman convocation here where Maya Angelou is the guest speaker, though I have been fortunate enough to perform in the chapel with the Duke Chorale and can attest to the fantastic acoustics of the building.
In addition, if you are a Duke student who knows an adult who would chaperone, you can climb the 400+ steps to the top of the chapel for a stunning 360 degree view of campus. Also if you email beforehand you can visit the carrel ringer (he’s in charge of ringing the bells every weekday at 5 pm) and watch him perform, which is something on my Duke bucket list.

Amazing bit of religious history and grand church architecture. I was most fascinated about how the sound system worked… the acoustics would be difficult to control, at best.

One of the more pictureque churches on the coast. An incredible spot to stop in and just take the place in. Concerts are amazing with an organ that’s seriously amazing! Going when the sun is out makes for some incredible pictures inside and out. Worth seeing more than once if you’ve got the chance!

I would suggest a night visit. There are beautiful spot lights that shine on the Chapel and it is incredible. I am not super impressed by big, old churches but this one is really nice. I am especially fond of the large organ as well as the room downstairs that has the plagues of those buried here.
It is worth checking out when you are in Durham thats for sure. My office building is so close so I have the pleasure of watching all those proud parents take photos in front of it. I have never attended a service here but would not be opposed to it, which is saying a lot :)

In any other country, this building would be called a cathedral. It almost seems sacrilegious to call it a chapel. But I digress…
Even though I grew up in a neighboring county before moving to the other side of the state for 20 years (and am now temporarily back), I’d never visited the Chapel at Duke University. I was recently reminded of it and attended the Sunday service this past weekend. WOW. What an incredibly beautiful church and service. I really enjoyed myself and plan to go back this Sunday, and probably many Sundays after that. Living in north Raleigh, it’s a bit of a drive but I guess it says something that I don’t care.
The Chapel’s website says it’s interdenominational, but the service is decidedly Anglican (which suits me fine — just what I was looking for). Be prepared for the goosebumps and spine chills that only a pipe organ in a cathedral of that magnitude can induce. I’ve visited numerous very old cathedrals in Europe (Koln, St Elizabeth, St Sebastian, St Bartholoma…). While the Chapel at Duke U wasn’t built in the 1500s or even the 1200s, it is no less impressive or breathtaking.
Even if you’re not church shopping as I have been, I highly recommend taking one Sunday just to visit the church and stick around for a tour afterward.
Tip:
Follow the driving directions on the Chapel’s website, NOT Google Maps!