Vespers and Chapel Services Records

Collection

Identifier: AC 109

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains service programs, lists of members, term and individual service schedules, speech transcripts, correspondence, announcements, articles, sheet music, hymns, and notes on services. The materials are related to evening services at the Eaton Chapel from 1898 to 1992.

Dates

1898-1992

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

The Eaton Chapel held evening services called vespers on Sundays and holy days for Protestant Christian students. The services included lectures, call-and-response style singing, and group prayer. In the mid 1900s, Beloit was functioning on an attendance based point system, meaning students had to go to lectures, convocations, and vespers to earn 40 points across the term. If they didn't, they'd be put on academic probation. After significant rebellion from students, especially ones who weren't Protestant, the system ended in the late 1960s. Soon after, the number of people attending services dwindled, so that in the 1970s, vespers were only held on Christian holy days, and later only on Christmas. Vespers are no longer held at the Eaton Chapel.

Extent

1.25 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection includes materials from and about evening church services held at the Eaton Chapel from 1898 to 1992. It contains service programs, term and individual service schedules, hymns, speech transcripts, and correspondence.

Arrangement

This collection has been compiled over the years through separate accessions of various sizes from various offices and individuals, none of which has any accompanying documentation. The original order of the documents is unknown. The arrangement order presented here has been imposed by the College Archives staff.