Blair was founded by local Presbyterian elders in the spring of 1848. While continuing to respect the Judeo-Christian values of our founding, Blair now embraces a wider, more inclusive view of religious life. The school promotes various avenues – some traditional, some not – to instill a sense of the common values in students, always underscoring the critical value of understanding and tolerating others’ backgrounds.

Chapel meetings are an important part of the Blair week. These meetings bring together the entire Blair community to hear the Chaplain, a student, faculty or guest speaker on a topic of moral importance or on an individual issue of faith. Chapel has become a time of sharing and learning with an emphasis on respect for the diverse cultures represented within the school. Sunday night Vespers provides an opportunity for the Chaplain and student volunteers to nurture the spiritual lives of members of the Blair community through a service of music, creative ritual, readings and prayer. The annual Christmas Vespers is a Christian service for the entire school community. Our Chaplain is a Presbyterian minister with 30 years experience in ecumenical and interfaith work who brings a creative approach to our Chapel and Vespers services, teaches a variety of religion courses, offers annual community service Spring Break trips, and is available to students as an informal advisor and advocate.

Jewish Union
The Jewish Union is an informal association of students and faculty of Jewish faith and of those community members who are interested in learning more about Judaism.

Community Service
Blair students reach out locally and globally through the Community Service Group, a student-led organization that works to develop and facilitate community service activities for Blair and the community beyond. Recent undertakings have included tutoring at local schools, building projects for the homeless, raising money for a battered women’s shelter and participating in the Big Brother/Big Sister program.

Chesnutt Chapel
The Rev. Dr. James H. Chesnutt was honored on April 23, 2004 at a dedication ceremony for the Chesnutt Chapel (formerly the Clinton Hall Art Gallery). Said the Rev. Peter Amerman, school chaplain, “The reinvention of an old space will provide us with an appropriate facility for students and faculty to frequent for quiet time during the week, and a place that will host our Sunday vespers services throughout the year.”

Local Church Services
Students interested in attending local church/temple services make transportation arrangements with the school chaplain, Rev. Cynthia Crowner. A listing of area churches is as follows:

• First Presbyterian Church, Blairstown, Sundays at 10 a.m., Rev. Dave Harvey, Located at 1 Main Street here in Blairstown, an easy walk
• St. Jude Roman Catholic Church, 7 Eisenhower Drive, a four mile drive southwest off Rt. 94; masses held at 5:00 on Saturday evening and at 8:30 and 10:30 on Sunday morning. You may ask Mrs. Conforti-Browse, Mr. Dorelien or Mr. Parauda for a ride.
• Evangelical Free Church of Blairstown, 11 Lambert Road, off Rt. 94 directly in front of North Warren High School. Services are held at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. You may contact Mr. Rasmussen for a ride.
• First United Methodist Church, 10 Stillwater Road, Blairstown, walking distance. Services are held at 10 a.m. Sundays.
• Jewish services: Rides to a local synagogue on High Holy Days can be arranged by speaking with the student leader of the Jewish Union, Morgan Jefferson or by contacting Rev. Crowner.
• Sunday Vespers are held most Sunday’s in Blair’s own Chesnutt Chapel from 5-5:30 pm. (Clinton Hall third floor).

Questions? Contact Chaplain Cindy Crowner at x 5687, crownc@blair.edu or stop by the Chaplain’s office in Room 307 Clinton Hall.

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