University of Richmond Chapel Guild to Host Christmas House Tour Dec. 8
November 7, 2005
University of Richmond’s Chapel Guild will host its biennial Christmas house tour Dec. 8, featuring five area homes and lunch at Jepson Alumni Center on campus.
The six-hour tour begins at 10 a.m. and will include a stop at the university President’s House. The Colonial Revival house contains a collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings.
Tickets are $25 a person and can be reserved by calling Debbie Barley of the Chapel Guild at (804) 288-2118 or the university’s Office of the Chaplaincy at (804) 289-8500. Proceeds benefit improvements to Cannon Memorial Chapel and the guild’s community service programs.
Other stops on the tour will showcase historic architecture, antique toys, Christmas trees and landscaping:
- Shannon M. Kelley and Michael E. Mendelson’s home, built in 1910 in arts and craft style, has been recently renovated and expanded.
- Mary Ann and James H. Whitten have restored their 1941 French Norman home to its original design, surrounded by Charles F. Gillette landscaping.
- Susan and Charles N. White Jr.’s home is a replica of the 1791 Miller-Claytor House townhome in Lynchburg, displaying antique toys, 19th-century dolls and feather Christmas trees.
- The home of Pamela W. and Theodore B. Luse features a traditional brick exterior with European influences, such as an arched entryway with keystone design details.
Founded in 1982 by Martha Tiller of Richmond and comprised of alumni and friends of the university, the Chapel Guild supports the ministry of the Office of the Chaplaincy and the physical beauty of Cannon Memorial Chapel. The guild's efforts range from refurbishing chapel rooms to providing special needs of the chapel and the Chaplaincy.