Beck Chapel

In 1941, Indiana University alumni Frank O. Beck (A.B., 1894, and A.M. 1905) and Daisy Woodward Beck (A.B., 1899) gave the university an endowment for the construction of a chapel for prayer and meditation. Completed in 1956, Beck Chapel is constructed of Indiana limestone and wood from the forests of southern Indiana. Its design blends styles of religious architecture and incorporates symbols from different religious traditions.

Located steps from the IMU on the east side of the building, Beck Chapel is adjacent to Dunn Cemetery, a small family cemetery established by George G. Dunn in 1855. Chiseled on a stone pillar at one of the corners of the chapel is the inscription “Set apart by George Dunn for perpetual use as a cemetery.”

Beck Chapel can be reserved for weddings, memorial services, and other events of a religious nature. It is open to the public for prayer and meditation every day, unless it is reserved for a private event.

The interior of Beck Chapel
The exterior of Beck Chapel

Photo Top Right: InBloom Photography

Reserve Beck Chapel

Beck Chapel is available for events seven days a week. You may reserve a three-hour block of time that includes an hour for preparation, an hour for the ceremony, and an hour for cleanup. Blocks of time are available from:

  • 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with an event start time of 11:30 a.m.
  • 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., with an event start time of 2:30 p.m.
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an event start time of 5:30 p.m.

The rental fee for Beck Chapel includes:

  • One hour for rehearsal
  • An on-site curator present at the rehearsal and the ceremony
  • A dressing room
  • Restrooms
  • Two candelabras with white candles
  • A stand for a guest book

You may use your own officiant at the ceremony.

You may reserve Beck Chapel up to one year in advance. To make a reservation, contact IMU Meeting and Group Services at 812-855-1808 or chapel@indiana.edu or use our online reservation form.

Musical selections

A Jacobs School of Music student may be arranged to play the organ in Beck Chapel for additional fees. Possible music selections below:

Adagio Felix Mendelssohn
Adagio Cantabile from Violin Sonata No. 3 J. S. Bach
Air from Water Music G. F. Handel
Allegro from Sinfonia No. 12 Antonio Vivaldi
Allegro Moderato G. F. Handel
Arioso J. S. Bach
Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin Richard Wagner
Canon in D Johann Pachelbel
Chaconne in F Major Louis Couperin
Deck Thyself, My Soul, With Gladness Johann Cruger
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring J. S. Bach
Menuet Leon Boellman
Minuet from Berenice G. F. Handel
Minuet Finale from Music for the Royal Fireworks G. F. Handel
Nimrod from Enigma Variations Edward Elgar
Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist Dieterich Buxtehude
Ode to Joy from Symphony No. 9 Ludwig van Beethoven
Prince of Denmark’s March Jeremiah Clarke
Rhosymedre Ralph Vaughan Williams
Rondeau Jean-Joseph Mouret
Trumpet Tune Henry Purcell
Wedding March Felix Mendelssohn