Two local, venerable houses of worship — Cathedral of Holy Angels in the Diocese of Gary and the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University — are among 14 statewide to receive capital funding grants from Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Indiana Fund.
In all, the 14 grants totaled $2.4 million, according to a release.
Michael Gard / Post-Tribune
Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection in Valparaiso, Indiana as seen on January 6, 2022. The building was recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)
The Diocese of Gary will receive $400,000 for tuckpointing masonry on all elevations at the 1950 cathedral that hosts major diocesan events.
Valparaiso University will receive $300,000 for repairs and redevelopment of the slab floor and foundation in the sanctuary of the 1959 Chapel of the Resurrection.
Holy Angels parish was first established in 1906 as workers began flocking to Gary to work in its new steel mill.
Designed in a Gothic Revival-style, Holy Angels was elevated to a cathedral after the Diocese of Gary was established in 1956. Church records show the altar was anointed, but the new building was never formally dedicated.
Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune
Visitors gather for the rite of reception and visitation ceremony for former Bishop of Gary Dale Melczek at Holy Angels Cathedral in Gary on Sunday, August 28, 2022. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)
In 1972, Bishop Andrew Grutka, the first Bishop of Gary, authorized the cathedral’s first renovation.
In 1997, Bishop Dale Melczek, third Bishop of Gary, commissioned a renewal and renovation of the cathedral.
In 1998, Melczek anointed the altar and dedicated the renewed Cathedral of the Holy Angels.
Both Grutka and Melczek are entombed inside Holy Angels.
Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune
Valparaiso University’s Chapel of the Resurrection. (Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune)
Designed by architect Charles E. Stade, the Chapel of the Resurrection is the tallest building on campus. It was dedicated on the Lutheran-affiliated university in 1959, three years after construction began.
Originally called Memorial Chapel in recognition of the many memorial gifts made to help fund its construction, it was named the Chapel of the Resurrection in 1969.
Featuring a 143-foot bell tower, It gained recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
VU officials said it was modeled after the Church of Nativity Basilica in Bethlehem on the West Bank in Palestine which Christians believe was the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
An iconic cornerstone on the campus, its leaders built it as a thanksgiving to God for worship and a gathering place for the university community.
Donations from the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod funded construction of the building and other donors financed its furnishings.
“The footsteps of countless worshippers have graced the Chapel of the Resurrection since its dedication in 1959. Now, thanks to Sacred Places Indiana, many more generations will be able to follow in their footsteps,” said Brian Beckstrom, chief mission officer and associate vice president at Valparaiso University.
A VU release said detailed plans for the project, including timeline and impact on Chapel operations, are still being developed, and will be made available later.
The Indiana Landmarks release said the awards mark the third round of grants since the fund was established in 2023 with support from Lilly Endowment Inc.
“By offering this critical funding, we hope to help congregations and parishes continue to thrive as spiritual centers and use their landmark buildings in ways that support and serve their communities,” said David Frederick, director of Indiana Landmarks’ Sacred Places Program.
To learn more about the Sacred Places Indiana program, visit indianalandmarks.org/sacred-places-indiana.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
