Friends of the Chapel

The Friends of the Chapel fosters religious life at the University and supports the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. 

The Friends encourage the mission of the historic Andrew Rankin Chapel, its campus ministries, and outreach. 

History & Mission

The Friends of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel was organized on September 5, 1982 by former Alumni Trustees Mrs. Esther G. Pollard and Dr. Timothy Jenkins, Esq. at the request of Howard University President Dr. James E. Cheek. The Friends of the Chapel focus on promoting a more inclusive community with increased emphasis on student involvement, archival projects, and expanded spiritual and ethical dialogue. Our mission is to:  

  • Foster and encourage the mission of the Chapel and its campus and global ministries, 
  • Identify programmatic means by which the outreach and capacity of the Chapel can be increased, 
  • Mobilize and garner additional resources for the support of the Chapel and implementation of its programs, and 
  • Act in a consultative capacity to the Office of the Dean of the Chapel. 

Meetings & Membership

We meet the third Sunday of each month from August through May at 9:30 a.m. on the lower level of Cramton Auditorium. Involved, committed, and concerned volunteers, the Friends of the Chapel require no special qualifications or credentials for membership, other than the desire and willingness to minister to the Howard University community. The Friends reflect membership from the broad community of students, alumni, faculty, staff and area residents who support the Chapel. 

Friends of the Chapel Officers

  • Mr. Bobby Caballero, Chair 
  • Mrs. Anita Moore-Hackney, Chair Emerita 
  • Mr. Chauncey Manson, III, Vice Chair 
  • Ms. JoAnn Phillips Rohan, Secretary 
  • Ms. Laura Daugherty, Correspondence Secretary 
  • Ms. Mary Rullow, Treasurer 

Become a Friend of the Chapel

We invite you to help preserve the ministry and legacy of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel by becoming a Friend of the Chapel. 

Our Work

The Friends of the Chapel focus on promoting a more inclusive community with increased emphasis on student involvement, archival projects, and expanded spiritual and ethical dialogue.

We are available to the Rankin Chapel staff, Chapel Assistants and the Chapel Choirs. Involved, committed, and concerned volunteers, the Friends of the Chapel require no special qualifications or credentials for membership, other than the desire and willingness to minister to the Howard University community.

The Friends reflect membership from the broad community of students, alumni, faculty, staff and area residents who support the Chapel.

Levels of Membership and Annual Fees

  • Student, $10
  • Member, $35
  • Bison, $75
  • Hilltop, $100
  • Capstone, $250
  • Mecca, $500
  • Thurman, $1,000