Design and Ministry Needs

Ohio Christian University leadership made a big commitment to music because for them, “it’s an integral part of the worship experience.” They desired a performance facility that could be used for chapel services, concerts, and to host major events at the university, as well as house the university’s Music and Religion Departments. The McKnight Group was chosen to provide the architectural design and the construction of the building. The Ministry and Performing Art Center had its opening debut with the Christmas Festival of Carols.

Highlights

The thirty-foot-tall dome with a four-foot cross on top highlights the location of the new Ministry and Performing Art Center on the university campus. The facility seats in excess of 600 with theater seating. An orchestra, pit complete with stage lift, making it a flexible building that can be used many different ways, and meet multiple needs for the OCU campus.

Results

Since the Ministry and Performing Art Center’s opening, OCU chapel services have moved to this building and can accommodate the entire on-campus population to meet and worship together again, all at the same time. The Festival of Carols is an annual highlight. The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus has performed several times. Multiple worship services, concerts, dramas, and theatrical performances have also been held here. In addition, this new facility has allowed Ohio Christian University to host large training events for pastors and church leaders.