Collegedale Academy has a new face – our new and improved auditorium.

The completed project includes new chairs, carpet, curtains, lighting, a new sound system, and a new color scheme.

The previous chapel had its foundation laid in 1969, 46 years ago.

Principal Brent Baldwin explains, “The chapel in no way shared the commitment to excellence that CA fosters.” In other words, it was time for a change.

Fortunately, former Collegedale Academy administrators put away money for projects specifically for this purpose. This renovation has been in the plan ever since the spring of 2015 when the Board authorized the construction.

“Monies were set aside from operating surpluses in the past to enable the renovation to be accomplished without needing outside donations,” Collegedale Academy Chief Financial Officer Steve Blackburn said.

On January 5, 2016, the first day of second semester, the student body walked into the auditorium during its chapel time for a fresh surprise. We had a brand new chapel, and it never looked so good.

That same day, as a sort of grand opening, Collegedale Academy Chaplain Chris Massengill and Mr. Baldwin held a special dedication service in the chapel with the staff and students present. We gathered in a circle and “acknowledged God’s presence in this place and asked for His blessings for every student that ever sits in these seats,” Baldwin said.

This chapel means a lot to our CA family: It is where we come together as one body to worship, pray, and give all of the praise to our Creator – it is our own campus church. In the words of Pastor Chris, “This is our church Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.”