The Mission
The mission of HoneyRock, the Northwoods campus of Wheaton College, is to build the church and improve society worldwide by developing whole and effective people through transformational outdoor experiences. In line with this mission, HoneyRock serves 50 percent of the Wheaton College student body as well as 2,000 campers and retreat guests each year.
The Need
While HoneyRock offers acres of outdoor experiential learning space, updated cabins, and a beautiful dining facility, we have been without an indoor meeting space capable of holding more than 75 people for four years. Built in two phases beginning in 1955, the Chapel has suffered from invasion by raccoons, mold, and general decrepitude and now stands vacant in the middle of HoneyRock.
A renovated Chapel will mean an indoor worship and meeting space for College programs such as Wheaton Passage, student development leadership training, and Conservatory music groups on retreat throughout the year. Campers will use the Chapel all summer long and retreat groups will benefit in the winter. HoneyRock will finally be able to host regional and national conferences and retreats for ministry and leadership training, academic institutes, and Wheaton College community building. A new chapel will open doors to increased use and ministry during that year in ways yet unknown in our history.
HoneyRock Chapel Renovation Renderings
The renovated space will include:
- A new, upper-story Chapel accommodating 240+ people, built over the old basement and remaining floor
- An open, inspiring space for worship with a movable platform and seating to accommodate different groups
- Generous natural lighting, and rustic style similar to the Chrouser Dining Hall to keep the HoneyRock “feel”; walkways linking the Chapel to the Dining Hall; an outdoor patio area
- Attention to acoustics to attract and provide for vocal and instrumental groups
- A new building footprint expanding to the east beyond the limits of the existing basement
- New meeting rooms/classrooms in the basement space
The Cost
The cost of the renovation project is $850,000. HoneyRock staff has already taken care of interior demolition. An outside company will be brought in to do major framing, plumbing, electrical and AV work, but HoneyRock staff will do the external and internal finish work.
Contribute to the Chapel Project
As part of the Chapel project, we have created two legacy courtyards at the main entrances to the building. These courtyards will be creatively constructed of multi-sized paving stones. We are inviting anyone who has had a significant life experience at HoneyRock to purchase a paving stone and have it engraved with your name, memory, and date the experience happened. In return, HoneyRock will use this revenue to fund the completion of the building. We have enough funds to construct the shell of the chapel, but need $200,000 in gifts to complete the interior finishes, furnishings and A/V System.
- To donate online, access the Stones of Remembrance giving page on the Wheaton College Alumni Website >>. Select "Give a gift now." It will take you to a page where you can select the size of your paving stone and enter your message in the spaces available.
- Want to sponsor a Stone? Check out our Paver sponsorship list
- If you'd like to receive a packet of information on the paving stones or if you'd like to donate by mail or phone, please call Jackie Pearce at 715.479.7474 x202 or write us at:
Jackie Pearce - Donations
8660 Honey Rock Rd.
Three Lakes, WI 54562
