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University Archives (Old): The Chapel / Ritz Auditorium

Information about the University Archives located on the second floor of Shafer Library.

The college chapel, 1886-1982

The chapel platform, around 1890.

 

According to the original plan, the chapel would "comfortably seat 800 persons" - so there were LOTS of chairs!

1901 View towards the west, from the balcony.

 

By 1913, permanent seats had been added to the main floor but not the balcony.

 

The Findlay College Orchestra in 1929.

 

This view, from the 1940s, shows the Page organ that was added in 1930. It was replaced by a new Standaart organ in 1954 (which was removed in 1981).

 

The Schumacher/Thomas duo in performance.

  

The Fisk Jubilee Singers at a Forum, on February 7, 1946.

 

Findlay College Choir, 1954-55.

 

The chapel as it appeared during the 1970s.

 

Another view from the 1970s.

Ritz Auditorium

In February 1981 the renovation of the chapel was adopted by the alumni board of governors as a centennial observance project. Alumni and friends donated approximately 1,500 hours of labor in the course of the renovation. Over $36,000 was spent (Kern, p. 376).

The completed chapel/auditorium just proir to its dedication, January 30, 1982.

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View of the stage area from the rear of the chapel, 1982.

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1983 Christmas Concert in Ritz Auditorium.