Places for Reflection and Worship
In an 'information age,' time and space to pray, reflect, and receive the ministry of the Holy Spirit are rare. Places often help more than we know to create space for deep reception and connection in our lives. Here are places on Biola's campus that can lead you into the presence of God, who is always already with us, and into a certain stillness necessary for finding wisdom amid so much activity and information.
Rose of Sharon Chapel
Built in 1966, The Rose of Sharon Prayer Chapel is the oldest chapel on campus. Students and visitors can come any time of the day or night, 365 days a year, for some quiet time to reflect and pray. No events are held in the chapel, which means that you can count on quiet whenever you need it. The chapel stands in memory of the donor’s wife, whose name was Sharon.
Talbot East Chapel (Fred and Ruth Waugh Prayer Chapel)
The building of Talbot East in 2011 included this sacred space, a generous gift from Fred and Ruth Waugh. Featuring a wavy ceiling made of reclaimed cedar and olive wood (from Biola’s own olive trees), unique carpeting reminiscent of a Bedouin tent and colored art “stained glass” squares, the chapel has quickly become one of the most beautiful and contemplative spots on campus. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to midnight daily.
Olive Grove (Kavalich Park)
Tucked away on the eastern edge of campus, Kavalich Park gives the community a place where they can get away from it all without ever stepping off campus. Set on the last remains of publishing giant Andrew McNally’s sprawling olive orchard, the park features rustic walk paths, a walking bridge, benches, picnic tables and an irrigation system to keep the trees healthy. Opened in 2009 as part of Biola’s “50 Years in La Mirada Celebration,” it was funded entirely by donations from parents and friends of the University.
The Riady Rooftop Garden
A gift from James and Aileen Riady, the Riady Rooftop Garden is at least one story “above it all,” providing a space just above the Talbot East classrooms to which one can ascend for some quiet prayer or conversation The plants were selected for their drought-tolerance and offer a wide variety of colors, textures, foliage, and flowers with year around interest and accents. The garden is lined with “Jerusalem stone” quarried in Israel.
Talbot East Reflection Pool
This plaza with a reflection pool and waterfall wall provides a serene place for students, staff, faculty and visitors to pause, pray and reflect on the education and learning that takes place in the surrounding offices and classrooms. Located between Talbot East and Calvary Chapel, the plaza is dedicated in memory of Zahur-Al-Haqq, the first person to come to know Jesus Christ as Lord through the ministry of the Methodist Mission in India, and who as teacher and preacher helped lead thousands of his fellow citizens to Christ.
Earl and Virginia Green Art Gallery
Art speaks to the human longing for beauty and as well as for meaningful reflection. Biola’s Art Gallery, renovated and rededicated in 2013 through a generous gift from Howard and Roberta Ahmanson (and named for Roberta's parents), functions to further Biola’s educational commitment and provide a place for community dialogue and discussion. Individuals are also invited to step into this space and allow the rotating exhibits from artists within and beyond the Biola community to foster contemplation and reflection that enriches and informs their Christian lives.
Calvary Chapel
Since 1976, Calvary Chapel (named for Calvary Church Santa Ana, which donated generously towards its construction) has been the site where thousands of Biola students, faculty, and visitors from around the community and the world have gathered for worship, teaching and prayer. Currently, half-hour weekly guided prayer times are held at 9:30 a.m. and noon on Thursdays, and at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Tour the Calvary Chapel at biola.edu/calvary-chapel.