Buies Creek, N.C.-Campbell’s Anna Gardner and Robert B. Butler Chapel resounded with the music of the magnificent Cornell-Zimmer pipe organ as the university dedicated the chapel’s sanctuary on Tuesday, Nov. 17. The sanctuary was made possible by a gift from Luby and Catherine Wood of Raleigh in honor of her parents Benjamin Joseph and Lattie McLamb Wood.
“This service is meant to bring honor and glory to God and a very special thanksgiving for two very special people in the life of Campbell University,” said President Jerry M. Wallace. “Inspired by their dependence on God, Benjamin and Lattie Wood and their blended family of 17 children led good and productive lives and may it always be so that people who come here give thanks for their lives.”
Benjamin Joseph Wood and Lattie E. McLamb grew up in rural Johnston County near Benson, N.C. They were married on Dec. 1, 1915 and spent 50 years and three months together on their small farm in Banner Township.
“My parents would have never dreamed that they would have a connection to an event of this magnitude,” said Catherine. “But long after we are gone, this place will stand for their integrity, love and indestructible faith.”
Dr. J. Daniel Day, associate professor of Christian Preaching and Worship explained the significance of one of the sanctuary’s most inspiring features, the Creation Window. The custom made stained glass window designed specifically for the chapel portrays important spiritual truths and concepts about the Kingdom of God. Central to the design is a deer drinking from a waterfall, representing the Water of Life as depicted in Psalm 42:12: “As had the host (deer) panteth after the water, so panteth my soul after THEE O God…”
“The Woods’ generosity is reflected in numerous other projects on campus including the Leslie Campbell Science Building and the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center, but the project that reflects their hearts the most is this sanctuary,” Wallace said.
Located on Campbell’s Academic Circle adjacent to the Taylor Hall of Religion, the 10,000 square-foot Anna Gardner and Robert B. Butler Chapel seats approximately 400 people. The chapel was intentionally designed to place the sanctuary at the heart of the campus. The sanctuary serves as both the university and community place of worship and meeting.
Luby and Catherine Wood are the recipients of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina’s Baptist Heritage Award. Retired from Lowes, Inc., Luby Wood serves as a member of Campbell’s Board of Trustees and the Trustee Investment and Finance Committee. He was also a member of the Chapel Campaign Cabinet. Catherine Wood is a retired nurse.
Photo Copy: Luby and Catherine Wood (Photo by Shannon Ryals)