JACKSON, Tenn. — April 1, 2026 — Union University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new chapel April 10 at 2 p.m.
The freestanding chapel will be located on the eastern edge of campus next to the existing G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel in the Penick Academic Complex. It will be clearly visible from the heavily trafficked Highway 45 Bypass.
Demolition on the current chapel will begin once the spring semester concludes. Construction is expected to take about a year and a half, with plans for the new chapel to open during the spring semester of 2028.
“For 50 years, our current chapel has stood as a testament to Union’s commitment to worshiping God and fostering spiritual growth in the lives of our students,” said Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver. “As we look to the future, however, we recognized the need for a space that meets the evolving needs of our Union community and that stands as a symbol of our enduring convictions.”
Oliver said the steeple of the new chapel will rise above every other building on campus, symbolizing Union’s commitment to keep Christ at the forefront of all it does. The facility will be a place where students, faculty and staff gather to worship, to reflect and to engage with the truths of Scripture. It will also serve as a vibrant center for the arts, hosting concerts, lectures and other events that enrich the local community.
“The new chapel will be a beautiful, physical manifestation of Union’s Christ-centered mission, a place not just for current students but for all generations of students,” Oliver said.
The projected cost of the new chapel is $30 million, with more than $15 million already raised through gifts and commitments. Opportunities remain for others to partner with Union in building the new facility. Contributions and pledges may be made online, and a variety of naming opportunities are available.
“We are deeply moved by the way our alumni and friends have stepped forward to support this project,” said Catherine Kwasigroh, Union’s vice president for institutional advancement. “These gifts represent a shared belief in Union’s mission and a commitment to providing a sacred space where our students can encounter Christ. We are so thankful for those who have led the way with their generosity, and we look forward to seeing how God continues to provide as we work toward our final goal.”
On April 22, Union will hold its final service in the existing chapel, with various speakers offering reflections about the facility over the past 50 years.
The groundbreaking ceremony on April 10 will take place in the space north of the current chapel. It is free and open to the public.