One of the most important aspects of training for Christian life is consistent, inspiring, and varied participation in corporate worship. Services of preaching, Eucharist, and prayer are at the center of our community life as we gather for weekly worship each week during the academic year.

Interior of (empty) Goodson Chapel

Goodson Chapel

A SPIRITUAL HOME AT DUKE

Goodson Chapel serves as the center of worship life at Duke Divinity School. The 270-seat worship space, with 55-foot-high ceilings and an organ balcony, hosts services and other events throughout the year.

UPCOMING SERVICES in Goodson Chapel

Worship Schedule

Service Time Day(s) Location
Services of Morning Prayer  7:45 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. Monday through Friday Goodson Chapel
Service of Word & Table 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday Goodson Chapel
Service of Prayer & Praise 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday Goodson Chapel
Evening Eucharist 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Tuesday Goodson Chapel

About Our Worship Services

The Divinity School hosts a variety of worship services throughout the week when Divinity classes are in session. Community worship is planned with a team of student interns led by the Duke Divinity School chaplain, the Rev. Meghan Benson, meghan.benson@duke.edu.

The Anglican Episcopal House of Studies offers space at the beginning and end of each day for congregants to center their hearts and imaginations through morning and evening prayer using the rites from the Book of Common Prayer. 

The Chaplain’s office offers three services each week at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This allows space for members of the Divinity School community to come together in the middle of the day to center themselves in worship and prayer. The Tuesday and Thursday services usually include preaching and the opportunity for Holy Communion. The Wednesday contemplative service features scripture, song, silence, and prayer, as well as an opportunity for prayers for healing and anointing with oil. Students, staff, and faculty members often share responsibility for planning and leading services, representing the variety of liturgical and denominational traditions at the school. 

All are welcome to join us for worship. 

Duke University Chapel also has a robust worship life, including Sunday morning worship and Sunday afternoon traditional Choral Evensong. Learn more about Duke Chapel worship opportunities by visiting the Chapel website.

Would you like to participate in worship as a lector, worship leader, or communion server? Contact Christina Hershey.

Music and Dance Ensembles

Divinity School worship includes diverse expressions of Christian worship, including the Goodson organ, Gospel Choir, or Chapel Band. Participation in these ensembles is open to singers, musicians, and dancers of all abilities. Students share leadership for the Chapel Band, Gospel Choir, and Sacred Dance.

To learn more:
Organ/Piano—Chad Fothergill
Gospel Choir—Dr. Idella Johnson
Chapel Band—Mackenzie Smith

Jones Prayer Room with cross, icon, and stained glass window

Jones Prayer Room

The Jones Prayer Room located adjacent to the Goodson Chapel loft is available to students for prayer and reflection.