Knowles Memorial Chapel, Orlando

Knowles Memorial Chapel is a landmark building on the campus of Rollins College in Winter Park. Completed in 1932, it has long been used for campus gatherings, concerts, and ceremonies, and it remains one of the most recognizable structures in this part of Winter Park. Built in a Collegiate Gothic style, the chapel fits naturally into the traditional architecture found across the surrounding campus.

As you approach, stop far enough back to see the full exterior at once. Notice the tall stonework, the pointed arches, and the strong vertical lines that make the building look more dramatic from a distance than it does up close. Walk toward the entrance and look around the doorway and windows for carved details, then glance back to see how the chapel’s shape stands out among the lower campus buildings nearby.

If the doors are open, it’s worth going in for a few quiet minutes to look around. Step inside and pause near the entrance before moving forward. Let your eyes adjust, then look up above the doorway to spot the organ pipes over the entry area. From there, face down the central aisle toward the front of the chapel and notice how the stained-glass windows filter light into the space.

As you get closer to the altar, look to the left side of the chancel to see the main organ, and then glance to the right to notice additional organ pipes. Along that same right side, you’ll also notice religious paintings and a small side chapel with its own small altar, set slightly apart from the main seating area.