Fielding Memorial Chapel of St. Mark

In 1965, the University received a generous donation by the family of George Parker Fielding and Agnes Fielding. Designed by Townend Stefura Baleshta Architects (now Yallowega Bélanger Salach Architecture), The construction of the chapel to be completed in 1968 by Neil Smith Construction Ltd.[1]

From September to April, The Chapel is used as a place of Anglican worship Thursdays at noon. As well, the space hosts special services, weddings, baptisms, and memorials for the faculty, staff and, students of Laurentian University. Some professors decide to use the space for teaching their courses, or host performances from Thorneloe's theatre and acting programs.[2]

Located at the top of a hill, the field memorial chapel is hidden from the usual business of the university campus. this allows it to maintain its quaint atmosphere and keep noise levels at a minimum during services. The Chapel design consists of triangles that get larger as they spiral around the centre of the building creating a high volume that culminates above the altar and creates an interesting roof profile. The interior is laid out in a circular plan where you enter the main chapel space, from here all other rooms are accessible. This allows for the chapel to focus on being a space of divine worship.

The chapel was decorated by Canadian iconographer Michael O'Brien, through portraits of Anglican figures and adorned crosses.[1] the windows of the chapel are made of coloured stained class that provide a dynamic lighting environment to those inside the building. The light changes as the sun moves during the day starting as a dark blue in the morning, a cyan at noon, and finally a soft yellow in the afternoon.[3] The landscape around the building ramps up between the extending triangular pieces creating slopes where students frequently sit and socialize during warmer months.

When constructed in 1968 the chapel did not have running water, this was added along with an updated electrical system, internet, new flooring, lighting, and windows. This renovation was designed and constructed by Castellan James + Partners (now Third Line Studios) and SRS Contracting.[1]

The unique form of the chapel originally posed a problem for roofers as they had used traditional tiles on this complicated form that led to leaks and a lot of water damage issues. this was rectified In 1996 when the buildings roof was redone using a new advanced membrane technology that more closely followed the form of the intricate roof.[1]

Being designed in 1968 the Chapel did not have a barrier free entrance, because of this, Many members of the community complained that they could not use the chapel. The Fielding Family along with the Anglican Foundation of Canada and other groups donated enough to allow Thorneloe to re-do the entrance making it much more wheelchair accessible and constructing an addition which included a kitchenette, washroom and storage facilities.[1]

The chapel was awarded two different distinctions in 2017. First it was granted status a heritage building by the city of Greater Sudbury for its cultural importance,[4] it was also awarded the Ontario Association of Architects Landmark Award.[5][6] Laurentian University professor Mark Baechler nominated the chapel for these distinctions as he believed the chapel was a significant piece of Sudbury architecture.[4]