Swasey Chapel
Swasey Chapel was the third gift of Ambrose Swasey to Denison and is perhaps his most well known. Ambrose Swasey was a partner in the Warner & Swasey Company which produced high quality telescopes in Cleveland, Ohio. After paying for a men’s gymnasium in Cleveland Hall and his namesake observatory to house a telescope from his company, Ambrose Swasey paid for the construction of Swasey Chapel in the early 1920s.
In less than two years, the chapel was completed and quickly became the defining landmark of the university. Swasey Chapel has become a place for both the university and the citizens of Granville to congregate for Vail Series performances, visiting speakers, and to come together for large occasions both joyful and somber. All those coming back to Denison University or just passing through Granville are sure to see Swasey Chapel high above the trees on the hill.
Established: 1924
Namesake: Ambrose Swasey
Architect: Arnold Brunner