Through a $50,000 gift from the West Virginia United Methodist Conference, the audio equipment will be replaced in Wesley Chapel to greatly improve the quality of sound in the sanctuary. Work will begin after Commencement and the new equipment should be installed before the Conference meets in June.

Improvements include replacing the 35-year-old speakers with digital speakers; updating the amplifier system; adding a sequencer that will provide a more crisp sound without delays; and adding four wireless microphones and two clip-on microphones. A hearing-assistance system will be installed to help hearing-impaired Chapel visitors.

Later this year, a fix-mounted projector will be purchased installed with the power to project the 125 feet to the screen in the front of the Chapel. The project will be able to used for videos, slides and power point presentations.

"We are very grateful to the members of the West Virginia United Methodist Conference for making this much needed gift possible," said President William R. Haden. "It is a first step in helping the College address the over $1 million in needed renovations, repairs and updates to Wesley Chapel."

"We are committed to restoring and preserving this center point of spiritual life for our campus, our community and the United Methodist in West Virginia."

Wesley Chapel, which opened in 1966, is the heart of the West Virginia Wesleyan campus and continues to serve as the center for Wesleyan activities, special events, and spirituality. Wesley Chapel is the largest sanctuary in West Virginia and is the home of the West Virginia United Methodist Conference.