A wide range of hand-carved limestone details were installed on the exterior of the chapel.

Additional limestone details can be found for the entablature, gabled portico, solid arch panels, traditional cubic cornices, solid large coping panels, solid balustrades, window trim and a carved cornerstone that was shipped to Rome and blessed by the Pope before being installed.

“There are lots of details,” said Ghattas. “Bybee did a great job. They used one of their main carvers. I understand it took three to four months to carve just one angel.”

Speaking on the installation, Ghattas explained that the limestone facade was anchored to a reinforced masonry wall using a combination of stainless steel through-bolts with epoxy. “The stainless steel bolts had to be installed into the masonry wall as it was being built and prior to the masonry wall being filled solid with grout,” he said. “These bolts had to be accurately placed in accordance with an intricate layout that would match the anchor holes predrilled in the limestone panels. There was almost no tolerance for error.”

A lasting tribute
 

During construction, cranes were used to lift stone pieces into place.

The 14,000-square-foot, $23 million project was dedicated on March 7, 2009 after three and half years of construction. “The reaction has been overwhelming for me,” said Stroik. “The college loves it. If there were any naysayers before, they don’t exist anymore. The alumni, board of trustees, etc are ecstatic.”

For Ghattas, completion of the chapel was both a personally and professionally rewarding experience. “I was very touched by this project,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of details here that I haven’t ever seen. It was a learning experience for me. I never looked at the details of a church, but after doing this project, I look at these details with more interest in them. I do want to give credit to Duncan and Bybee for their work as well.”

The church also demonstrates a tribute to the college president at the time of design and construction, Thomas E. Dillon, who was active in its decision making. He unfortunately died suddenly a few weeks after the church was dedicated.

“He spent every moment in the chapel upon completion, just enjoying what he had done,” Stroik said of Dillon. “It opened before Easter, so he was able to experience the first Holy Week and Easter in it. At least he saw his vision completed and it gave him great satisfaction. He was very beloved by many.

“There seems to be a nice interest around the country — professionally and in the church world for the chapel,” Stroik continued. “I hope it will inspire many others to do something of this quality and beauty. The chapel was almost nine years in the making. We hope it will last hundreds of years.”

“He spent every moment in the chapel upon completion, just enjoying what he had done,” Stroik said of Dillon. “It opened before Easter, so he was able to experience the first Holy Week and Easter in it. At least he saw his vision completed and it gave him great satisfaction. He was very beloved by many.

“There seems to be a nice interest around the country — professionally and in the church world for the chapel,” Stroik continued. “I hope it will inspire many others to do something of this quality and beauty. The chapel was almost nine years in the making. We hope it will last hundreds of years.”