Topping Off Ceremony for the Wilson Chapel
Topping Off the Wilson Chapel
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On October 18, 2006, the Andover Newton community gathered with the construction crew from the Shawmut Construction Company to celebrate the "topping off" of the new Wilson Chapel. Students, faculty, staff, Trustees of the School, other invited guests, and the Company’s construction crew enjoyed a luncheon and then gathered under the roof of the new chapel in a brief service of celebration. The ceremony of prayers, song and celebration was led by President Nick Carter and Prof. Matthew Myer Boulton.
"Topping off" is a traditional ceremony that occurs midway through a construction project. A small pine tree is anchored to the top of the structure. According to legend, the tree can signify many things, including a job well done, life and growth of the building and good luck for the building’s occupants. The installation signifies that the highest point of steel construction has been reached and completed.
In conjunction with the topping off ceremony, Visiting Artist Karen Schiff and ANTS artists created fluorescent versions of God's Eyes using construction materials. The God’s Eyes were mounted on the fence surrounding the Wilson Chapel construction site, to protect the building project throughout the year.
Ojo de Dios, or God's Eyes, are commonly made by the Huichole Indians of Mexico, but are also found in Africa and in the East. Originally, they symbolized the loving eye of a god and they were often made for each year of a child's life up to age five. Today, Ojo de Dios remind us of God's watchful love.
Updated October 19, 2006
