News

One of the most distinctive buildings on the Laurentian University campus is getting a makeover. Major renovations are being made to St. Mark’s Chapel at Thorneloe University, one of the federated partners of Laurentian University.

The star-shaped Chapel, built into the side of a grassy slope on the grounds of Thorneloe, won a prestigious architectural award when it was constructed in 1968. The renovations will allow St. Mark’s Chapel to become a more accessible and flexible space. The renovations will include a wheelchair ramp, a kitchenette and washroom, new windows and doors, and the latest in teaching technology.

The new St. Mark’s Chapel will become a functional space for university classes, workshops, worship and prayer, and of course, home base for Thorneloe’s Summer Shakespeare program.

Designed by Castellan James + Partners, and built by SRS Contracting, funding for the Chapel renovations include a generous grant and loan from the Anglican Foundation of Canada.

St. Mark’s Chapel is a unique part of both Thorneloe’s physical space and spiritual heart. The improvements that are being undertaken will only improve Thorneloe’s ability to better serve our community,” says Steve Moutsatsos, Board Chair at Thorneloe University.

Dr. Robert Derrenbacker, President of Thorneloe University, is excited about the possibilities for the newly renovated Chapel. “I am looking forward to opening the doors of our renovated Chapel this fall to many new and different groups, including university classes, outside groups on retreat or in workshops, as well as worshippers.”

Congratulations to Thorneloe University on its renovations to St. Mark’s Chapel,” adds Dominic Giroux, President of Laurentian University. “We value the unique perspective our federated partners bring to the student experience at Laurentian. The fact that expansion is happening right across the university grounds proves Laurentian and its partners are increasingly a destination of choice for students.”

Renovations to St. Mark’s Chapel are just one of the exciting changes taking place at Thorneloe University. New seating is being installed in the Ernie Checkeris Theatre, and Thorneloe’s academic programming is also expanding. This past year, Thorneloe has launched four-year B.A. programs in Ancient Studies, as well as Theatre Arts. In addition, a new minor in Motion Picture Arts Production will be introduced this fall as part of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree at Laurentian University.

For more information, please contact Susan Moores at 705-673-1730, ext. 10, email smoores@laurentian.ca, or visit thorneloe.ca.

Left to Right: The Ven. Anne Germond, Dominic Giroux, The Rev. Dr. Robert Derrenbacker, Frances Caldarelli, Steve Moutsatsos, Dennis Castellan, Rob Schutt

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Media Contact:
Dr. Robert Derrenbacker, President, Thorneloe University
(705) 673-1730, ext. 23, rderrenbacker@laurentian.ca