The Chapel & Other Spaces

The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life is based in the Helen Hills Hills Chapel, located on Elm Street across from the Office of Admission. The chapel’s main floor features a large, flexible space used for formal gatherings, events, concerts, and quiet reflection. On the lower level, you’ll find staff offices; the Bodman Lounge; the Renewal, Refuge, and Rejuvenation (RRR) Lounge; and the Chapel kitchen.

Thinking of having a wedding at Helen Hills Hills Chapel? Learn more!

Helen Hills Hills Chapel

About the Chapel

History

The construction of the chapel was funded with a gift from Helen Hills Hills, class of 1908. The chapel was completed and dedicated in 1955. In 2009, a renovation project on the chapel uncovered a time capsule that had been buried during the building’s construction. In 2014, the pews were removed from the sanctuary and replaced with oak chairs to allow more flexibility in the layout of the space. To learn more about the building’s history, visit our blog.

Reservations

Some spaces in the chapel require reservations, and others can be reserved if necessary. Reservations can be made by leaving a message at 413-585-2750 or emailing Maureen Raucher at mraucher@smith.edu.

Spaces

There are multiple spaces within the chapel for student activities such as prayer, religious services, group meetings, performances, and simply hanging out.

Organ

The organ is located on the top floor of the chapel. This Aeolian-Skinner organ is the original one installed at the dedication of the chapel in honor of James Mandley Hills, husband of Helen Hills Hills, after whom the chapel is named. It is available to students at Smith College and for any services that take place in the sanctuary. Please contact Maureen Raucher at mraucher@smith.edu to obtain permission for its use.

The chapel sanctuary, with a table in front that says "reflect, resist, rejuvenate"

Spaces in the Chapel

Helen Hills Hills Chapel Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a holy and sacred space where religious observances from many different faith traditions are held. Through the use of its resources such as a flexible floor plan, AV system, and wonderful acoustics, students have found the Sanctuary to be a welcoming space that supports their worship, rituals, and practices.. Cultural celebrations and beloved Smith traditions such as Baccalaureate and Pet-A-Pet Day occur in the space, as do meditations and mindfulness programs.

Bodman Lounge

Located in the chapel’s lower level, Bodman Lounge has cozy couches, wi-fi, a library of religious and spiritual texts; and a Zoom room system. We encourage informal use of the space without a reservation, but students, faculty, and staff can reserve the space for events. The space accommodates 25 people, and can be accessed by a flight of stairs or the elevator at the rear of the building. Bodman is a true interfaith space and there are representations, including a library of varied religions, spiritual and wisdom traditions.

Chapel Kitchen

The kitchen is located in the lower level of the chapel in Room B2. It has been recently renovated and is conveniently connected to Bodman Lounge. The CRSL team is excited to use this space when hosting its programs and events. The kitchen is not available for reservation.

Blue Room

The Blue Room is a non-reservable quiet space on the lower level of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel for contemplative practice, prayer or meditation. Resources in the Blue Room include religious texts, prayer rugs, meditation pillows, chimes, and candles, and the cardinal directions are marked on the walls. The Blue Room is a sacred space. Anyone using the space is asked to remove their shoes and only use it for activities that align with the space’s purpose. No food or drink is permitted in this space. Groups may use the room, but louder or larger group meetings are asked to please reserve a different space, such as the Bodman Lounge.

Hindu Mandir

The chapel houses a mobile Hindu prayer space, currently located in the sanctuary. It is equipped with images, incense, and religious texts as a place for Hindu worship and prayer. Worshippers can utilize Chapel partitions for privacy purposes.

Renewal, Refuge, and Rejuvenation (RRR) Lounge

The RRR Lounge is located on the lower level of the Helen Hills Hills Chapel. The space is designed for whole-person, justice oriented, and spiritually grounded activity. It is open to all but centered on the needs, desires, and intentions of students who are actively working toward equity, inclusion, liberation, and well-being on campus. It is a sacred space for renewal, refuge, and rejuvenation in line with the CRSL mission to reflect, resist, and rejuvenate.

The Bodman lounge in the chapel, featuring a large TV, fireplace, comfortable chairs and sofas, and a large bookshelf.
The renovated chapel kitchen, featuring stainless steel appliances, new cabinetry, and ample work space.
The blue room in the chapel, featuring chairs and cushions, lamps, and signage on the walls noting direction.

Other Spaces on Campus

Beyond the chapel itself, there are several additional spaces available across campus.

Wright Hall Prayer Space

The Wright Hall Prayer Space is located in Wright 004 and is a non-reservable quiet, contemplative space for anyone in the Smith community to pray, reflect or meditate. Resources include religious texts and prayer rugs, candles, and the cardinal directions are marked on the wall. This space is meant as a space of solace and is not intended for group meetings.

If you would like to use this space, please contact Maureen Raucher or Kim Alston for access or questions about using the space.

Clark Science Center Exam, Lactation, and Prayer Room

The Clarke Science Center Exam, Prayer, and Lactation Room is located in Sabin-Reed 136 and accessible from the first floors of both Sabin-Reed and Burton Halls. This space has adjustable lights, a rug, desk and chair. The room may be locked while in use but is to be left unlocked when not in use. This room may be reserved through 25Live or by contacting the Clarke Science Center in Burton 115.

Kosher Kitchen

The kosher community kitchen (warmly referred to as the “K”), is located at Jordan House and is under the direction of Dining Services and the Rabbi/Jewish Student Advisor via the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life (CRSL). The “K” is the main location for the Friday Night Shabbat Services, sponsored by the Smith College Jewish Community Org (SCJC) in collaboration with the CRSL. It is centered around Jewish tradition and community, and Rabbi Bruce will occasionally hold individual or small group sessions there. On Fridays it is usual to find the space teeming with choppers, would-be chefs, dishwashers, and others prepping for Shabbat. During the academic year, some special holiday events, and other occasional Jewish programming activities are held at the K.

Neilson Library Reflection Room

The Neilson Reflection Room is on the second floor of Neilson Library in room 208A. It includes carpeted floors, couches, moveable ottomans, and a divider wall to block the glass door. The room is available whenever Neilson Library is open. Please contact Neilson Library staff with any questions about this space.

A room with purple walls, soft lighting, and directions noted on the walls.