From the Rector

Dear Friends,

From our earliest days, the Chapel of the Cross has had a strong connection with the University of North Carolina. In May of 1842, the Rev. William Mercer Green, both an Episcopal priest and a University professor, officially gathered the signatures of twelve men and twelve women on our articles of incorporation. Most of the men had direct connection with the University, and students were some of the earliest communicants. Mr. Green later received approval for students to attend in our chapel in place of mandatory Sunday participation in the University chapel, the first denomination to receive that permission. It was not unusual for the diocese in those early years (which then covered the whole state) to appeal to all its congregations for financial assistance for this important work with students.

In 1920 the vestry fired the rector because he "didn't visit students enough." The next year they hired Alfred Lawrence, who became a visible figure on campus, even serving as the starter for the track team. During his 23-year tenure, an assistant was first hired to focus on campus ministry. The first, Thomas Wright, after serving one year (1933-34), became head of campus ministry for the whole Episcopal Church and was later ordained bishop of East Carolina. The second, Emmett Gribbin, who arrived in 1940, married the rector's daughter, and there has been a campus minister here ever since! Sometimes, the office was on campus, dimming the lines of connection with the Chapel of the Cross. But in 1978, the title became "Associate for Campus Ministry," and the position was envisioned, not only as intimately connected with this parish's staff and ministry, but as helping the rector lead the whole parish in welcoming students and doing campus ministry. Now, in another adjustment of vision, we have recently changed the title to "Associate for University Ministry" to suggest that the scope includes not only direct work with students but also with faculty and staff and with important campus issues. Through the leadership of the Associate and of the University Advisory Committee, our entire parish is to have a significant impact on the life and vision of the campus.

Our history and our location uniquely position us to be able to respond to this opportunity. We offer this thought-provoking issue on university ministry to inform you of its various dimensions and to stimulate other possibilities. Whether or not you as an individual or as a family have any direct connection with the University in a personal or professional way, I hope you will support and help us strengthen this historical and critical dimension of our parish's ministry.

- Stephen

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© 2005 The Chapel of the Cross