Lee Chapel's Construction Began 140 Years Ago

It was in 1867 that construction began on the “Shrine of the South”—Lee Chapel on the grounds of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. This year marks the 140^th anniversary of this remarkable building’s beginnings.

The Chapel had been in Lee’s mind almost since accepting the presidency of the beleaguered school in 1865. When General Lee reported to the board of trustees in June of 1866, he wrote: “A larger chapel is much needed. The room used is too small and badly adapted to the purpose. It is moreover required for additional lecture rooms, into which it could be conveniently converted.” This would be Lee’s pet project and construction began in 1867. It was his first major undertaking as President of Washington College. One year later, in Lee’s 1868 report, he wrote: “The completion of the new chapel, which has recently been dedicated to the service of Almighty God, is a pleasing as well as useful addition to the College buildings.”

The Chapel remains, to this day, a fitting memorial to this Christian gentleman. As Douglas Southall Freeman wrote of Lee: “What he seemed, he was—a wholly human gentleman, the essential elements of whose positive character were two and only two, simplicity and spirituality." As President of Washington College, Lee often expressed his sense of spirituality and its connection with the Chapel. Lee was often visibly moved during Chapel services. Upon one of these occasions, as Lee was leaving the building, a friend inquired of Lee if something was wrong. Lee replied, “I was thinking of my responsibility to Almighty God for these hundreds of young men.”

A little known, but interesting factoid about Lee Chapel--it was almost torn down in the early 1920's! Then President Dr. Henry Louis Smith thought the structure was "unattractive" and not "architecturally compatible" with the other building at W & L. Fortunately, the brave ladies of the United Daughters of the Confederacy mounted a spirited public relations campaign that saved the grand old building. Thank God for the UDC.

Visiting Lee Chapel today is well worth the effort. There is no admission charge and the museum in the basement houses an exquisite collection of Lee family heirlooms and historical artifacts. The museum shop has an excellent selection of books, framed art, and souvenirs. I highly recommend a visit if you are ever in Lexington, or if you have to make a special trip just to see it, especially this year.