North fireplace becomes place of worship

Northwestern College has been blessed by many generous donors through its long history, from funding for new buildings to artwork. This year the institution was granted the addition of a firepit in the northwest corner of campus. Donated by Marlene Van Meeteren Goesch in honor of the class of 1957, the space includes a gas firepit, tiered seating, and string lights. Chairs to allow for positioning closer to the fire have been added as of last week. This area is available to all NW students and employees. It can be reserved for events, activities, or class sessions through Outlook’s location reservation system for conference rooms.

“The space was designed for gathering and worship, and the firepit is intended to provide ambiance and a reminder of the light of Christ in the world,” Julie Elliott, Vice President of Student Life, said.

There are some important guidelines to keep in mind for those who wish to use the firepit.

“Do not use the space as you would a campfire pit,” Elliott said. “Activities like roasting marshmallows or any other foods are not allowed.” 

Students should also be careful to observe quiet hours and avoid playing music or making noise in the area during those times, which begin at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The firepit can be turned on using a switch and the length of time it burns is adjustable using a timer knob. The longest the firepit will stay active is 2 hours, after which it will shut off.

The firepit has already been put to use and reactions have been positive.

“Thus far I have seen students use the space for hanging out, for D-groups, and there have also been times of worship there,” Elliott said. “All of these uses would make the donor really happy.”

Recently, a worship arts meeting took place there, organized primarily by Drew Schmidt.

“We had a gathering of all the Worship Scholarship students – a kickoff to beginning the year resting in worship before leading worship,” Schmidt said. “We love making it a bonfire with prayer, scripture and music – there’s just something lovely and communal about gathering around a fire.”

Schmidt said in the past, the students had met in other spots off-campus, but that since the group numbers have increased, finding a suitable place to meet and ways to get there proved challenging. This new option was exactly what was needed.

“I cannot wait to see how this space is used in the months and years to come,” Schmidt said. “I am sure a small group of girls from Steg will get together and chat around the fire well into the night. I can see a whole wing of guys from North gathering around the fire for a D-Group. I hope that we can gather everyone from the Bolks apartments some night and lead them in worship. I have already seen fellow professors teach class in the space. It’s fantastic!”

Student opinion about the space has been just as positive.

“I love lots of things about the fire pit,” Mary Britten, worship leader, said. “The location is right in the middle of all the dorms which makes it the ideal meeting spot. It is relatively big so you can have large gatherings. I think this space will be used for all types of gatherings and will be a great spot for people to join in community, outside in nature.”

Britten thought the space suited the worship event perfectly.

“The set up made for an intimate and informal setting which was perfect for the night,” Britten said. “The string lights provided the right amount of light, and there was electricity to plug everything in.”

There is an abundance of opportunities that have come along with the blessing of the firepit, and it will certainly serve as a setting for countless moments and memories for the years ahead.