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Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel
Osborne Chapel is the spiritual center of the university, offering a variety of spiritual experiences for students and guests.
The Spiritual Center of the University
The Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel was moved stone by stone from the village of Sproxton, England, to serve as the spiritual center of the university. The chapel was dedicated at Baker in 1996 by Lady Margaret Thatcher, former British prime minister, whose father had preached in the building.
Originally built in 1864, the Sproxton Methodist Chapel served its members for 124 years. Robert R. Osborne, of Olathe, Kansas, generously provided the funding to dismantle, ship and rebuild the chapel, which was renamed to honor his wife, Clarice.
Today, weekly university worship services are held at 11 a.m. on Thursdays during the academic year. Services are optional, and no classes are held at that time. The nondenominational services allow students to stay connected with their spiritual life practices and to explore their beliefs during college.
Osborne Chapel is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment only on the weekends and evenings. Appointments can be set up through the contact info at the top of the page. The university minister’s office and a fellowship area for students are located in the lower level of the chapel.
Chapel Tours
With prior notification, tours of the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel are available to visiting groups of 10 or more. Please call to inquire about the details for your visit.
Weddings at Baker
We are pleased you are considering renting the Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel on the Baldwin City campus of Baker University as the site of your wedding. This information will assist you with determining arrangements.
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Location Address
Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel
Baker University
515 Sixth Street
Baldwin City, KS 66006Mailing Address
Clarice L. Osborne Memorial Chapel
Baker University
P.O. Box 65
Baldwin City, KS 66006 -
The Chapel provides seating for just under 100 people. If your wedding includes more than 100 guests, this facility will not accommodate your wedding.
Reservations allow one hour on-site for the wedding rehearsal and three hours on-site for the wedding. This rental fee and agreement do not include honoraria for clergy, musicians, or other additional contracted services. Contact information is at the top of the page.
Your reservation will be confirmed and placed on our calendar when we receive the signed reservation form and the $50 (refundable) damage deposit, provided that the chapel is available the day and time of your request. The balance of the rental fee is due one month (four weeks) before your wedding date. Payment should be made by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted. Send the deposit and the signed request form to Baker University.
- Fee for a couple with no Baker connection: $400
- Fee for a couple with Baker affiliation, e.g., Baker students, alumni, trustees of the university, faculty, and staff: $200
- Plus refundable damage deposit (required to confirm the reservation): $50
- Total projected cost: no Baker connection: $450
- Total projected cost: Baker affiliates: $250
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It is the sole responsibility of the bridal couple to arrange for ordained clergy or another official to perform the service.
Bridal couples are to contact and make all arrangements for accompanists and musicians to perform at your wedding. You may contact the Baker University Department of Music (785.594.8478) to obtain a list of local and student musicians to contact to perform at your wedding. (Student musicians are typically only available throughout the academic school year, early September through early May.)
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Furnishings and fixtures are considered permanent and may NOT be moved, removed, borrowed, or taken outside the building for any purpose. These include all the fixtures in the chapel and in the offices in the lower level, e.g., baptismal font, cross, banners, candles, candlesticks, plants, baskets, trash receptacles, chairs, decorations.
To preserve the beauty of the chapel and the furnishings you may NOT use nails, hooks, tacks, screws, masking tape, florist putty, scotch tape, or staples in or outside the chapel facility. Rice, birdseed, and confetti are not allowed inside the chapel or on the Baker campus. Only drip-less candles are acceptable. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on the Baker campus. Tobacco products in any form are not permitted in the chapel.
The chapel is located on a university campus, so we cannot guarantee that campus events and activities will not cause tourist activity and interference on the day of your wedding. However, we can schedule your wedding during the best possible time if you indicate accurate arrival and departure times of your wedding party on the day of your wedding. In addition, we have many groups that reserve and use the chapel and meeting area in the lower level throughout the week, using the facility during day and evening hours. If additional rehearsal time is necessary for your musicians either they, or you, need to contact the chapel secretary to schedule a time for them when the chapel is available.
Contact us if you have further questions. Notify the office immediately to approve a change in plans previously indicated on the reservation form.
