President Locklin in front of the Loveland Chapel Dedication Plaque

Norman Loveland, class of 1924, devoted alunus, trustee and corporator, faithful volunteer in his service to the Boy Scouts of America, established a chapel fund at Springfield College in 1946. From small beginnings and periodic additions, the fund continued to grow. It was carried on by his wife, Ruth, after his death and augmented by their bequests in 1965 and 1978. The Loveland legacy reflects the spiritual aspiration of man, as exemplified in Springfield's Humanics philosophy". In 1946, Norman and Ruth Loveland established a fund for the construction of a chapel at Springfield College in order to help maintain the spiritual character of the College. From 1946 till their deaths, Mr. Loveland in 1965 and Mrs. Loveland in1968, a sum of $275,000 beqeust was made to the “chapel” fund. Under the leadership of President Wilbert E. Locklin, it was decided that the chapel should be built on the East Campus. Groundbreaking took place on September 15, 1980 and the chapel was completed in June of 1981. The Dedication was actually held on May 30, 1981. A number of features in the chapel were donated, including the Allen Organ, donated by W. Haines Kent and a couple of stained glass windows, including one in memory of Norman and Ruth Loveland, by Mrs. Vera Brown, and one depicting the Springfield College triangle, by Philip W. Breux, Class of 1938. The gates at the entrances are actually the original Pratt Field Gates. The building was visualized as “an academic chapel” or non-denominational chapel. Built of wood and stone, the 5,000 sq. ft. structure blends into the woodland setting and utilizes natural materials that incorporate environmental awareness in terms of energy efficiency. Its open floor nave could accommodate 150 people. In 1988, under the leadership of President Frank Falcone, Loveland Chapel became the Child Development Center which remains its use to this day.

The photograph is one of a series of photographs that were originally found in a folder marked "Loveland Dedication." Unfortunately, this photograph and others within the folder were unable to be confirmed that they were taken on this day. Further research should be conducted to identify these photographs.;

The photograph thought to be taken in front of the Loveland Chapel Plaque at Springfield College during the dedication of the chapel on May 30, 1981. Wilbert E. Locklin, on the right, was the President of Springfield College from 1965-1985. The other two gentlemen are unidentified at this time. The Norman and Ruth Loveland Chapel plaque is dedicated to interfaith worship, learning, and to community service. It says on the plaque that "This chapel stands as the fulfillment of their lifelong dream.