An Iconic Identity: Stories and Voices of Duke University Chapel

Restoration Scaffolding in the Nave
Photograph by Ray Walker

The two main objectives of the Duke Chapel restoration project during the 2015-16 academic year are to rehabilitate the its limestone ceiling and replace its original roof. On the Chapel’s vaulted ceiling, engineers have identified brittle mortar to grind away and replaced it with a new, more flexible material. To keep the Chapel’s historic look and detail, roofers removed the original, weather-worn, lead-coated copper roof, and a new lead-coated copper roof was installed to exactly match the original roof’s appearance. Along with the reroofing work, the inboard rain gutter system was reconstructed and all of the original downspouts were copied and replaced.

In addition to work on the ceiling and roof, both the building’s air conditioning and high voltage power systems are being replaced and upgraded.  Seven original stained-glass windows in the chancel were removed, refurbished, and reinstalled.  All of the chandeliers and sconces were removed, cleaned, and re-lamped with LED bulbs. Finally, woodwork and carving in the chancel and transept received careful restoration attention.

With work being done on the Chapel’s highest places, scaffolding has at times surrounded the building and taken over its nave!