College Returns Cross to Chapel Following Revoked Gift

The College of William and Mary has restored a cross to its chapel after its removal prompted a donor to revoke a $12-million pledge, report The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Virginian-Pilot.

The college had taken down the cross, which had been displayed on the altar since 1932, in October in an effort to encourage students from all faiths to feel free to worship at the chapel. The move was received by some critics as an insult to the college’s Christian history and founding. The controversy culminated in an unnamed donor’s decision to withdraw a $12-million pledge last week.

The 18-inch cross will now be displayed in a glass case in a “prominent, readily visible place” inside the chapel. An area that houses sacred objects will now include pieces from other faiths.

Whether the unidentified donor will reconsider, now that cross is being returned, was unclear, The Chronicle reported.

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