JACKSON, Tenn. — April 10, 2026 — Union University ceremonially broke ground Friday on a new $30 million chapel, a project described as the campus capstone that will serve as a visible testimony of the institution's Christ-centered mission for generations to come.
The freestanding facility, located on the eastern edge of the Jackson campus, will be clearly visible from Highway 45 Bypass. Its design features a steeple that will rise above every other building on campus, symbolizing the university's commitment to keeping Christ at the forefront of its work.
Union President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver opened the ceremony by citing Psalm 95:6 and expressing the university's desire to create a space dedicated solely to the worship of God.
“This chapel will testify to our deepest longings, to our eternal aspirations and to our commitment to future generations,” Oliver said. “It will represent to all that the worship of God is the beginning and end of all learning and knowledge. It will also be a symbol of Union’s determination to consecrate all of our days to the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The project is a central priority of “Union 200: The Bicentennial Campaign.” Jeff Perkins, chairman of the Union Board of Trustees, shared that the original campaign goal was $60 million, but the Board felt led to increase it to $80 million to include the new chapel.
“The challenge we looked forward to was how we would trust God for the unimaginable,” Perkins said. “If he wanted us to build a new chapel, we knew he would provide. And here we are today, standing on the threshold of a new era in Union’s history.”
The new facility will replace the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel, which has served the campus since 1975. A final service in the existing chapel is scheduled for April 22, with demolition beginning after the spring semester concludes.
Construction of the new structure is expected to begin in late May. The pipe organ will be disassembled, stored and reassembled in the new chapel.
The Savage Chapel has served Union well, Perkins said.
“And now we come to God to ask for the blessing upon this new chapel, one that we pray will stand for decades to come,” Perkins said. “With these walls that are soon to be constructed, we pray that they will be filled with the resounding truth of God's sovereignty, his salvation and his love. And may we have hearts of thankfulness that recognize his mighty hand of provision.”
Lane Pyron, Union’s student body president, spoke on behalf of the students who will benefit from the new facility.
“This chapel will be a sacred space where we gather to worship, to be challenged, to confess, to celebrate and to be sent out,” Pyron said. “It will be a place where God shapes hearts and calls students into lives of service to church and society. What we celebrate here is not just the start of construction. It is the visible testimony of God’s faithfulness and the shared commitment of this community to be devoted to Christ-centered education.”
Oliver thanked representatives from Hord Architects of Memphis who designed the building, which will include four columns at the entrance representing Union’s core values: excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused and future-directed. The Union president also recognized Linkous Construction, which will serve as the project’s contractor.
Plans are for Union to dedicate the new chapel in January 2028.
To date, donors have given more than $15 million toward the $30 million project cost. Naming opportunities remain available, and contributions can be made online.
“We’re grateful to you and to so many others whose prayers and other support continue to advance our mission to provide Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to church and society,” Oliver said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “What an exciting day to be part of the Union family.”