Summer Renovations are Underway Thanks to the National Park Service
COLUMBIA, SC – July 21, 2025 – Benedict College’s historic Antisdel Chapel, a neoclassical brick building constructed in 1932 during the Great Depression, is receiving a major renovation. Originally built by College’s first Black president, Dr. John J. Starks, the chapel has long served as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of the campus.
Under the leadership of Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College, Antisdel Chapel has undergone a series of significant upgrades. In 2021, a new roof was installed, and its iconic steeple was removed, fully restored, and replaced in 2022. In 2023, the heating and air system was replaced. Over this summer, a comprehensive renovation project is underway to modernize the facility while preserving its historical significance.
“The updating and restoration of our historic buildings is among my top priorities as President of Benedict College,” expressed Artis. “These facilities are cornerstones on the campus and serve as bridges from our past to our bright future.”
Helping to lead the effort is Dr. Walletta Johnson, Director of Development and Assistant Director of Title III and Sponsored Programs and Foundations at Benedict College. “Preserving the historical district of Benedict College is not just about maintaining older buildings, it’s about honoring the legacy of those who came before us and ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate our rich history,” said Johnson.
Johnson successfully secured funding from the National Park Service’s National Historic Preservation Act, receiving $500,000 in fiscal year 2020 and an additional $750,000 in fiscal year 2022 to support the renovation of Antisdel Chapel.
This fall, Benedict students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends can look forward to a host of upgrades that blend modern technology with timeless design. Key improvements include:
- A brand-new video wall on the main stage
- Large-screen monitors installed throughout the sanctuary, lobby, and balcony
- New carpeting and fresh paint throughout the facility
- A state-of-the-art sound booth replacing the previous small sound room
- An advanced sound system with capabilities for video recording and live streaming
- Modern lighting and control systems to support high-quality production
“With these updates, the chapel will no longer require costly production companies or external lighting services to host professional-level broadcasts or performances,” noted Benedict Chief Information Officer, Anthony Caldwell. “This renovation gives the college full control over its production capabilities.”
Additional restoration efforts include:
- Repairing, replastering, or replacing interior architectural features from ceiling to floor
- Converting an existing bathroom into a fully ADA-compliant restroom
- Restoring and repairing original pews
- Refurbishing the building’s historic wood-framed windows, including interior and exterior trim
Once completed, the renovation will reaffirm Antisdel Chapel’s role as a beacon of history, community, and progress at Benedict College.
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About Benedict College (www.benedict.edu)
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance. Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and was listed among the top half of ranked HBCUs in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges by US News and World Report.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.