FAQ's

What is the history of Danforth Chapel?

William H. Danforth, founder of Ralston Purina, established the Danforth Foundation in 1927 as a national educational philanthropy. Part of the foundation’s mission was to help build meditation chapels on college campuses and in hospitals. William Danforth was familiar with ASU, then Arizona State College at Tempe, because he and his wife spent winters at the San Marcos Hotel in Chandler.  When Danforth realized that Tempe’s college did not have a chapel, he offered $5,000 to help build one. He then proposed a challenge to the college to raise the rest of the money.  For two years, students held dinners, carnivals and other events to raise the remainder of the estimated $15,000 cost of the building.  William Danforth’s inspirational challenge was a success and the Danforth Chapel was built. When dedicated in February 1948, ASU’s Danforth Chapel became the fourth of twenty-four chapels built across the United States.

How is the Danforth Chapel used at ASU?

Danforth is a non-denominational chapel that is available for individual or group prayer or meditation. It is open to the public from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The chapel is open on weekends, by reservation only.  Danforth Chapel is closed for use on all University Holidays.

How many people does Danforth Chapel hold?

The Danforth Chapel holds approximately 50 people and is equipped with banquet-style chairs, a podium and a large table near the inside entrance of the chapel.

Is there a sound system available inside Danforth Chapel?  Are musical instruments allowed in Danforth?

Only acoustic instruments are permitted inside Danforth Chapel. There is no sound system, piano or organ available within the chapel.

What type of reserved events are typically held at the Danforth Chapel on weekends?

Danforth Chapel is often reserved for weddings, memorials or special religious services/events. Reserved events also have access to two small rooms that are adjacent to the main chapel. These rooms may be utilized by wedding participants, family members, officiants, etc. during weekend events.

Is clergy provided for weddings or memorial services?

The reserving party is responsible for providing their own clergy/officiant for events; however, a list of clergy affiliated with ASU from a variety of faiths is available at https://eoss.asu.edu/cora/directory.

What is the process to make a reservation for Danforth Chapel?

The Danforth Chapel may be reserved for weekend use by calling the Dean of Students office at 480-965-6547, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.  Additional information will be provided at that time.  There is a fee to reserve the Danforth Chapel.