by Courtney Winterberger
Contrary to some of the rumors around campus, Kerns isn’t condemned and won’t be demolished.
The Kerns Religious Life Center is one of the campus’ oldest buildings. According to university archives, it was dedicated in 1915 as Rudolph Hall, which served as the library for over 50 years. The library’s reading room was converted into a chapel in 1971.
The building went “offline” during the spring semester of 2012 as a health and safety precaution.
“We were experiencing some environmental issues, including moisture and mold,” Beth Ann Carman, director of facilities management, said. “At that time it was decided that the building should be closed for the health and safety of the individuals who use that space.”
Faculty offices and classes were moved to other locations. Student organizations such as Campus Crusaders for Christ, Wednesday and Sunday morning worship, and Thursday evening’s candlelight service were obligated to find other venues for their weekly meetings.
“The building meant a lot to our organization,” Isaiah Schmackers, worship coordinator for Campus Crusaders for Christ, said.
It took the group almost three months to secure another location that would accommodate the size of their group and was available during their meeting time.
When acquiring one location wasn’t possible, the group moved as space was available, but this meant extra work for those who organize the gatherings, as well as negative effects on turnout.
“The attendance dropped dramatically,” Schmackers said. “We went from 80-100 people each week to maybe 30 because people didn’t know where it was that week or they just lost interest because there was so much going on.”
The attendance at other services has slumped as well.
“I think it’s difficult for students to develop habits about where to go if one week we are at one worship space and another week we are at a different space,” Amy Oehlschlaeger, university pastor, said. “When we want students to have habits about studying, we also need to provide them with opportunities and habits about worship as well.”
The closure of the building has lead to a lot of shifting for the religious nucleus at Capital.
“Campus ministry no longer has a central location,” Oehlschlaeger said. “A lot of students feel like everything is in transition all of the time.”
After its closure, Kerns was assessed for damages. An external engineering firm helped to identify the scope of repairs and necessary upgrades.
“The building’s foundation is structurally sound, though quite a bit of work will be needed to ready the building for its next 100 years,” Richard Ashbrook, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, said.
According to this information, the building could benefit from additional outside air ventilation, improved drainage, new windows, new roof materials in some areas, removal of the glass atrium, and a new entrance to improve handicap accessibility.
The cost of needed restorations will be incorporated into the annual capital expenditure requests.
“I think one thing that students miss the most about Kerns is one, its central location, but also it’s just really comfortable,” Oehlschlaeger said. “It was a comfortable place where you could hang out late and feel like you were in the presence of God and that this was a welcoming spot.”
Ashbrook assured that the building will go online as soon as necessary repairs have been made.
In the meantime, student organizations will have to continue to find alternative spaces to meet.
cwinterb@capital.edu
