Workers completed construction last week on the new multi-faith center, named the Numen Lumen Pavilion. The building was constructed as part of the Elon Commitment and completes the Academic Village.
"With this brand-new, mysterious, beautiful building," said Jan Fuller, University Chaplain, "students will want to come in here and find out what's going on."
The new building houses the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society and provides space for religious organizations on campus.
"No matter what your religious background is," said Sarah Drum, first-year intern for the Truitt Center, "you can come here anytime. No matter what, we're welcoming you."
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As students enter the lobby, they will see a leafy canopy above and a waterfall ahead. The walls are lined with recycled wood from the Oak trees removed from the construction site. Inside the building, there are offices, a classroom, spaces to relax, pray and mediate.
The Richard McBride Gathering Space, dedicated to Chaplain Emeritus Richard McBride, is ideal for receptions and large group events. The area leads to a room known as the Sacred Space, a round, open room that any faith community on campus can use.
Chaplain Fuller said she hopes the new center will increase awareness about religion to students and that they will use the center's available resources.
"Religion influences every culture in some way, so we want our students to understand that and function in that," Fuller said.
The official dedication ceremony for the new pavilion is scheduled during spring Convocation activities on April 30, 2013. Students can take a self-guided walking tour of the Numen Lumen Pavilion by visiting the main desk in the lobby.