Some $3 million in renovations to Lawless Chapel are scheduled to be finished this month, the first major upgrade since its 1955 dedication, according to Jay Calcote, former facilities management official.

Woodward Design plus Build is contractor for the project, which began last March.

Used not only for worship, but also for the popular Christmas concert and others, assemblies, courses and community service opportunities, Lawless is receiving a major interior upgrade, according to the Rev. Gail Bowman, chaplain. The one major change outside will be making the clock operable and repairing the chimes, she said.

The building will keep its “historic look, but the clock will work. No one really notices there is a clock because it hasn’t worked in years, but the clock will work…and the beautiful chimes also.”

She added, “The chapel will have a 20th century look, but will operate in the 21st century.”.

Upgrades will include new audio equipment and theatrical lights along with bigger restrooms, refinished pews, new furniture and new draperies.

In addition to an updated look, the most noticeable physical changes will be in the choir stand (singers will face the audience rather than each other) and in the social room.