Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre
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Lancaster University Chaplaincy Centre, on the campus of Lancaster University in the United Kingdom is a unique building. Built in 1969 it consists of three circular lobes with a spire which is the basis of the University's modern logo, which it has used since its silver Jubilee in 1989. Two of the lobes contain Christian chapels: one Roman Catholic, and one Anglican. The third lobe is the largest on two levels. On the ground floor it contains a social space (the Central Lounge), the Jewish Rooms (Synagogue, Jewish Lounge and Kosher Kitchen) and the Quiet Room (used for worship by the Quakers and meetings by the Bahá'ís). It also contains the Free Church Chaplains' office, Secretary's office and Georges Restaurant. The upstairs contains a library of Christian books, two flats (one each for the Catholic and Anglican chaplains), a Buddhist meditation room.
Religious student societies including the Catholic society, Jewish Society, Bahá'í Society, Christian Fellowship, and Asian Christian Fellowship meet in the centre. The centre is also used by non-religious groups including Pulsar (the science fiction society), and the LU Gospel Choir. The chapels and Synagogue are always open and available for private prayer and meditation.
Similar facilities exist at the universities of Dundee and Bath. However, very few universities in the United Kingdom have such purpose built facilities. Lancaster was the first such joint centre in the United Kingdom. Architecturally, the Centre is one of a kind.
