/ Offices/ Administration/Conferences and Events/Celebrations of Life / Memorials

Celebrations of Life / Memorials

Lewis & Clark College offers the Agnes Flanagan Chapel as a thoughtful, reflective setting for memorial services and celebrations of life.

We understand that planning a gathering often happens during a time of grief and uncertainty. Our role is to provide a calm, welcoming environment—paired with clear expectations—so families are supported without being overwhelmed by decisions.

These services most often serve members of the Lewis & Clark community, alumni families, neighbors, and Portland-area families seeking a non-commercial, campus-based setting for remembrance.

Gathering to Remember at Lewis & Clark

The Agnes Flanagan Chapel is used for memorial services and celebrations of life—gatherings centered on remembrance, reflection, music, and shared stories. These services are typically held after funeral or burial arrangements have taken place elsewhere.

The chapel’s carefully designed interior and beautiful stained glass windows create a setting well suited to both intimate and larger gatherings. Often services include music, spoken tributes, readings, displayed photos and a photo slideshow. Services range from smaller family gatherings to larger services honoring educators, alumni, community leaders, and loved ones with broad connections.

About Funerals

Funerals—services held in the presence of a body or casket—are best supported in spaces specifically designed for funeral care and custodial services.

Because Lewis & Clark is an academic campus rather than a funeral facility, services involving remains are not held in the chapel. Families planning a funeral are encouraged to work directly with a licensed funeral home or cemetery and may consider Lewis & Clark for a memorial service or celebration of life held afterward.

When Services Are Scheduled

Memorial services and celebrations of life at Lewis & Clark are scheduled on Sunday afternoons.

This consistent practice helps ensure that services can be hosted with care while respecting:

academic classes and campus programs
Music and Theatre & Dance rehearsals
parking capacity and neighborhood context
attentive staffing on a college campus

Availability varies by season and academic calendar.

The Setting

Agnes Flanagan Chapel

Originally constructed as a Christian space, the chapel is offered today as a welcoming sanctuary for religious, interfaith, and secular gatherings alike. The chapel seats 400 guests.

Reception Following the Service

Receptions are typically hosted in the Diane Gregg Pavilion and are scheduled immediately following the service itself. Adjacent to the Agnes Flanagan Chapel, the Gregg Pavilion comfortably supports a mixed standing/seated reception for approx. 150 guests.

Wheelchair-accessible seating and ADA restrooms are on-site.

What’s Included

Reserved venue use
Event-day venue manager
Basic parking access
Standard wayfinding signage
Basic audiovisual support:
- microphone for speakers
- projection screen for photos or slides

Catering, if desired, may be arranged separately through Lewis & Clark’s food service provider, Bon Appétit.