NEW ORLEANS—The United Methodist Church has announced that Dillard University will receive a $310,000 gift to repair Lawless Memorial Chapel.
The announcement was made at the Annual Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church that the proceeds from the sale of Newell United Methodist Church in Mandeville would be allocated to support Dillard University in its restoration efforts.
Dr. Rev. Van Stinson, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of Connectional Ministries, and Trustee Rev. Karli Pidgeon, District Superintendent of the Baton Rouge and New Orleans Districts, presented Dillard University with a check for $310,000.
University Chaplain Rev. Herbert Brisbon III said, “The generous donation from the United Methodist Church is a true testament to the spirit of community and support that exists within the Dillard University family. The restoration of Lawless Memorial Chapel holds great significance for our campus, and this contribution ensures that the chapel will continue to serve as a cherished space for spiritual reflection and community gatherings for generations to come.”
Lawless Memorial Chapel was built in 1955 to honor Rev. Alfred Lawless Jr., founder of Beecher United Church of Christ in New Orleans, and his son, Theodore K. Lawless, M.D. Dr. Theodore Lawless, a renowned dermatologist, provided the funding for the Chapel. Lawless serves as the largest formal gathering space at Dillard University. Notably, Lawless Assembly Hall was the sole building on the Dillard University campus to remain unaffected by flood damage following Hurricane Katrina.
About the United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church was formed in 1968 with the union of the former Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church. The Evangelical United Brethren Church, established in 1946, resulted from the union of two U.S.-born denominations: the Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. These two churches originated among German-speaking people during the great spiritual awakening in the late 18th century.
