Shortly after the beginning of fall quarter at Walla Walla University, the Associated Students of Walla Walla University (ASWWU) and the Chaplain’s Office collaborated to present the first in-person vespers since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The event included WWU students who are continuing their education online, and for students who are studying on campus 200 chairs were set up on Centennial Green with six feet of distance between each. The event was livestreamed from the University Church to a big screen on Centennial Green and to YouTube so that all students from near and far could join in. 

“This option will facilitate students gathering and worshiping together in a way that many of us haven’t for six months, so we think this will be a super huge first step in building community through these COVID-19 restrictions,” said Luke Irvine, senior computer science major and music chaplain. 

Several students said regarding the event that though this time of social distancing has made it hard to connect with friends and classmates, it is exciting to be on campus and to be able to meet new people. They also commented that although life has more and different challenges right now, a big part of WWU is the sense of community and it is a blessing to have meetings even if they are different.

John Aitken, senior theology major, said, “Though things this quarter are different, we are trying to create as similar a spiritual atmosphere as possible for the students on and off campus. So much of this is just inviting the Holy Spirit to be here with us and believing that God will come through in the end.”

To watch the livestream of future vespers programs, visit WWU Chaplain's Office.

Posted Oct. 15, 2020