Rooke Chapel

About Rooke Chapel

Dedicated on October 25, 1964, the Charles M. And Olive S. Rooke Chapel is the gift of the late Robert L. Rooke, a member of the Class of 1913 and a member of the University's Board of Trustees. The chapel is named in memory of Rooke's parents.

Designed in Georgian colonial style, the main chapel includes a narthex, sanctuary, chancel area, organ chamber, choir rooms and balconies that surround the sanctuary on three sides. Approximately 700 people can be seated in the sanctuary and balconies.

The chapel's three-manual Reuter organ, one of the largest in central Pennsylvania, fulfills the functions of both a church organ and a concert instrument. This organ is capable of authentically reproducing the music of any period. Louis S. Armento's brushed steel chancel screens, between the chancel and the organ chamber, depict Moses, Jesus and other Jewish and Christian symbols.

Reservations and Weddings

Rooke Chapel may be reserved for weddings, subject to availability and University approval. For more information, please contact the Office of Events Management.

Accessibility

Accessible parking is available in the Stadium Drive lot. An accessible ramp is located on the right side of the chapel. The ramp for drop-off may be accessed by turning onto the driveway opposite the Weis Center on Dent Drive. There is an accessible sign at the entrance to the driveway. Drive to the ramp adjoining the chapel portico and exit back out onto Dent Drive to one of the parking areas. An accessible gender-neutral bathroom is located in the chapel to the left upon entry. Please contact the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life (570-577-1592) if you require information on accommodations.

The Rooke Chapel Gospel Music Fellowship

The 2024-25 Rooke Chapel Gospel Music Fellowship offers current master's or doctoral students (and recent graduates) the opportunity to cultivate the Gospel music tradition within a vibrant, multicultural University worship setting. The fellow leads, in collaboration with the Protestant chaplain and director of music, weekend residencies open to students, staff, faculty and the local community through the course of the academic year, which are designed to teach, explore and celebrate Gospel music.

To Apply

Applications are closed for the 2024–25 year.

Past Fellows

2021-22 and 2022-23 Fellow: The Rev. Karlos Nichols

The Rev. Karlos Nichols is an ordained preacher, educator, composer, singer, dancer and recording artist originally from Memphis, Tenn. He currently resides in Newark, N.J., where he serves as the associate pastor of worship and arts at Bethany Baptist Church–Newark. He is a graduate of AMDA, The New School (BFA), Walden University (M.Ed.) and Union Theological Seminary (master's in homiletics, arts and worship). He is currently pursuing a doctorate in education from Delaware State University.

Nichols has worked as a public school elementary performing arts teacher and curriculum developer, producer and associate pastor. He has had two consecutive Top 50 Billboard Gospel Sales Chart projects and continues to work through his company, The Kane Group, as a consultant for independent artists and non-profit organizations. Nichols is an executive team member for the National Baptist Convention's iROCK Young Adult Division. He is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

More Worship and Gathering Spaces

Fellowship House
628 St. George St.
Home to Wednesday night dinners, Quaker meetings, Bible study and more. Includes spaces to cook.

Newman House
610 St. George St.
Home to the Catholic Campus Ministry. Features spaces for spiritual education and informal fellowship, including a comfortable living room, large front porch, chapel, kitchen and piano.

Berelson Center for Jewish Life
632 St. George St.
Features two kitchens — including a separate, certified-kosher kitchen — as well as dining, lounge and study spaces, a library and the office of Bucknell's Chaplain for the Jewish Community.

Muslim Community Space
First floor, Davis Hall, South Campus Apartments
Includes a prayer room, gathering space, kitchen, wudu washing station and student work office. Available 24/7 via BUID card access