by Rebekah Presley

Those who have spent time on the Williams Baptist University campus recently have probably noticed some construction going on near the library. To some, the building might look like an old church that seems almost out of place with the larger Manley Chapel just a short walk away.

Others may view it as a relic of a bygone era, speculating on its imminent demolition and replacement.

For those familiar with the campus, especially the theater enthusiasts, this structure, known as Startup Chapel or ‘The Old Chapel,’ houses the theater department and serves as the venue for semester plays.

However, not many people know the true history of Startup Chapel and how it has been and still is one of the most important buildings on the campus of Williams Baptist University.

Originally constructed during World War II as a military chapel for the Marine Corps Air Base at Walnut Ridge, Startup Chapel found a new home at WBU after the university acquired the land. The relocation in 1957 marked a new beginning for the chapel’s versatile role, evolving from a military facility to a space that served as a church, weekly chapel, theater, event venue, classroom, and more. Its white-painted wooden exterior underwent a transformation in 1964 when it was adorned with bricks, not only enhancing its visual identity but also preserving it for future generations.

Throughout its existence, Startup Chapel has adapted to the evolving needs of the community. It underwent a significant refurbishment in the late ’80s and early ’90s, ensuring its continued functionality. The chapel’s historical roots are deeply intertwined with the growth and relocation of Southern Baptist College (now WBU) after the devastating fire at its original Pocahontas campus during winter break.

Today, Startup Chapel stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability. It is currently the home of the drama department, both as a rehearsal space for the Cast, the traveling theater group of Williams, and the semester theatrical productions that transform the chapel into a theater during the performances.

The old chapel adds an extra character to each of the plays that are performed within it. It adds a weight of history that other spaces may or may not have. While the chapel may be updated to continue to make it possible for further use, it doesn’t erase the history of the environment.

The name ‘Startup Chapel’ is in dedication to Dr. Kenneth Startup, a longtime professor of history and former academic dean who has worked to make the history of WBU known and remembered for years to come. The name was changed in 2018 in honor of Dr. Startup’s retirement, though he did return for a little while in 2022 to teach some classes in the fall semester. It had become known up to the point of the dedication as ‘The Old Chapel’ and had served as key visual iconography for the school prior to the Manley Chapel’s creation.

The back storage space and workspace of the chapel was added after the move and was bricked up in 1964. The workrooms were for the theater department as its main workspace, but it was also home to an overflow or practice space for the art department and possibly the SBC/WBC newspaper, “The Scroll.”

The back area is what has been torn down to make way for a more up-to-date space for the theater department. The chapel itself is being updated to better suit the needs of the school, the theater department, the worship services, campus events and so many more things to come.

As Startup Chapel undergoes updates to meet contemporary needs, it remains a cherished symbol of the university’s history. Like an old beloved sweater, it has witnessed both joyous and challenging times, its walls echoing with the laughter of performances, the solemnity of worship services, and the buzz of campus events. Preserving this iconic building ensures that it will continue to weave itself into the tapestry of Williams Baptist University for years to come, a living testament to the institution’s enduring legacy.

The chapel has been changed before and will likely be changed again, but it remains at the heart of Williams.