Estes Chapel Memories
Estes Chapel is so much more than a building to many; it is a place where people come and fellowship with the Lord, celebrate milestones in faith and life, preach with the aid of the Holy Spirit, and much, much more. Estes Chapel is the heartbeat of Asbury’s Wilmore Campus and here are some of the memories and moments that Alumni have shared with us:
Alumni 66′ Graduate’s Memory, “As a 1966 graduate of Asbury Seminary, I remember well my student sermons in Estes Chapel under the tutelage of Dr. Ralph Lewis. I think both were in my Senior year.
The sensation of standing behind that pulpit where so many of my professors and famous invited guest speakers like E. Stanley Jones had stood 
was very intimidating. One of my favorite speakers in chapel was President Stanger. He always had a relevant topic for fellow preachers and he had a clear voice and a commanding presence.
I also remember the hearty singing led usually by the music professor whose name slips me. One habit he had was commenting briefly on the history and meaning of the hymns. I learned many new hymns in those chapel services, hymns which I later introduced to the congregations I served.”
Jim M. Harrison, a 1967 alum:
“My sacred and joyful memories of Estes Chapel – Prior to each chapel service, the coming together of professors, students, support staff, and guests reverently and prayerfully gathering to worship – Hearing Dr. Frank B. Stanger, ATS president at that time, splendidly and thoroughly introducing guest speakers – The exuberant singing, especially of the Charles Wesley hymn, “And Can It Be That I Should Gain” – Participating in the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Listening to the many clergy and lay persons preach their sermons and share their personal stories with passionate joy for Christ’s redemptive love – Being inspired by the vocal music (soloists, the Asbury Singers, and other groups) – The moving and powerful music that resonated from the organ – Time spent alone at the altar or sitting alone in the pew in quiet meditation – Prayer time at the altar following worship services – Missionaries from the world over sharing their ministries in heart-warming ways – Standing near the pulpit and receiving great inspiration thinking of the many divine and Godly persons, men and women, who have stood through the years on the holy ground of Estes Chapel with obvious emotion boldly proclaiming the One who is “the Bread of Life” – The stained glass window visible high above the pulpit area sending a powerful message to all who worship in Estes Chapel The above information is shared with great thanksgiving for Asbury Theological Seminary.”
Alan D. Milligan ’78: “It was at my first chapel service, President Frank Stanger preached on Romans 12:1-2. I went to the altar, which began a nine-month journey which resulted in my Baptism in the Holy Spirit. I loved chapel services and especially the singing!”
“I’ll never forget the time of personal prayer with God, when His love just for me finally broke through all of the barriers the enemy had used to keep me from experiencing such awesome love. I was holding a big, gold cross, allowing its truth of God’s love wash over me and permeate my soul. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I soaked in God’s amazing love. Hallelujah!” Rebecca Belt ’94
When I was a student at Asbury College (now University) I came across the street to hear E. Stanley Jones speak.
He spoke on the kingdom of God and the Lordship of Christ and used “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing” as the altar call.
He said that Luke 4:18-19 was Jesus’ kingdom platform. The passage taken from Isaiah 61 is also my call to ministry!
I went forward to pray and renew my commitment to God’s kingdom and calling to ministry. (Sometime in 1968-69 school year)
On Valentine’s Day 1972 I asked Cherrie (also a student at ATS at the time) to marry me and she said yes. We were in the Prayer Room attached to Estes Chapel and we read I Corinthians 13 together and knelt and prayed. The window in the prayer room says “Thy Will Be Done” and we trust it has been since we have been in ministry and married 44 years.
Estes was not only where I graduated from ATS but also where we enjoyed attending the December graduations of our daughter and son.
Michelle received her degree in counseling and Shawn received his degree in evangelism and missions. The December graduating classes were smaller and the chapel was decorated for Christmas plus there was snow on the ground.
Two of the professors whose preaching in Estes made a lasting impression were J.T. Seamands and Robert Coleman. Two great men of God whose messages stirred our souls. J.T. challenged us to go out in mission and Bob to go out in evangelism. They both lifted us to heavenly joy!
Dan Casselberry, class of ’72
C
ame to ATS in the Fall of 1971 – one of 38 female students. My Major was in Church Music and I had a strong Alto/Soprano voice. I remember the first time we sang “And Can It Be” in the chapel service. All those strong male voices. I couldn’t hear myself sing. Wonderful!!!!
Second memory is May 27, 1974, My husband, David, and I were married in Estes Chapel. Dr. Stanger performed the wedding ceremony, Prof. Tremaine sang, and Barry Buchanan played the organ. Adjith Fernando was part of the wedding party. A very memorable day for us at least.
Judy (Olin) Paul, 1974
Guy Ames 1978 MDiv, “I married my wife, Margaret in Estes Chapel, May 19, 1978, a day after my last final.”
I really enjoyed the praise and worship gatherings on Friday mornings which were sponsored by Dr. Steve Seamands. I learned so much about expressive forms of worship by being with the International students and seeing how freely they danced with joy before the Lord. I grew an ecumenical heart during those times.
Kenna Sapp, Alumni 1991
“Let me tell you why I love Estes Chapel. I was Virginia Sue Foster in 1954 when I graduated from Asbury College. A new office had just opened up at the Seminary called Asbury Theological Seminary Alumni and Public Relations. I was interview for the job and worked there for three years when I met Bobby Joe Dennis, ATS graduate in 1956. I loved my job, the college and the Seminary and never wanted to leave but my husband was a ministerial student and was taking his first church in the WNC United Methodist at Stoneville, North Carolina. So, we moved to NC. However, before leaving, we were married in Estes Chapel September 28, 1957. He died this year on September 3. We would have been married 59 years.
Our Daughter, Elizabeth Dennis Birks graduated from Asbury College in 1982. She was married in Estes Chapel September 18, 1982, almost twenty-five years to the day we were married and she was married by the same minister, Dr. Y. D. Westerfield, Asbury College Dean of Men for whom I worked the four years I was in college.
I had a close relationship with the faculty and staff at the Seminary and it always felt like home to me. I cherish those memories. I am 87 now and almost everyone I knew is gone but not the memories.”
Virginia Sue (Foster) Dennis
A few Chapel Memories from Joni Manson, Alumni 1997.
“Anytime we sang ‘And Can It Be’ was extraordinarily special.”
“Was honored to be asked by Dr. Bauer to be on the podium with him & N.T. Wright during a Chapel Service.”
“Was honored to serve Holy Communion alongside Dr. Oswalt during another Chapel Service.”
“I was supporting a family of six as a part time janitor at the Seminary. I had left a position in the business world that was financially good enough to raise my family. Like Abraham, I left all, and was now “broke” though our bills were mounting. I relied to much on self. God was teaching me that he is my provider. In Chapel, Jackie Pullinger, missionary from Hong Kong spoke to my heart. God transformed my heart. Twenty years later I still remember that moment. It has saved me. Estes chapels help save me.”
Some words spoken there and experiences we had, still linger in our memories.
As small farm boy, near Frankfort, Ky. Asbury Seminary was a not to be reachable goal. Our preachers came from there to serve our Church in my teen years. Asbury Seminary in January 1960, following Asbury College, was also a step of faith. Estes Chapel was part of a great time of my school experience. Chapel was always a high point in my life there. Dr. Mcpheeters praying in the office room next to the Prayer Chapel was a never to be forgotten. experience.
Five students met each week in the small chapel for prayer seeking God’s guidance and power.
Our years at Asbury Seminary 1991-95, were fantastic! A great part of our time was the experience of worship in Estes Chapel! In an effort to get our ministry off on the right foot, prior to our move from Kentucky to Florida, my wife and I renewed our wedding vows in Estes Chapel. We will never forget that day. Now we are approaching our 30th anniversary. We have always been thankful for ATS!!
It is hard to narrow it down because there are so many powerful memories for me in that chapel! My December 2002 graduation (in an ice storm no less) stands out since it was held in Estes. I also remember a powerful Friday praise and worship service where Charismatic Bishop from Mexico preached. The presence of God filled the room as he prayed over us at the altar.