The Friends of Duke Chapel was founded in 1974 to provide the means for interested persons to organize into an ongoing, supportive, participatory group to support the ministry and program of Duke Chapel. The Friends open membership to anyone interested in the Chapel and its program. It grew out of a predecessor group called the Full Membership Chapel Group, organized under and continuing the name of Duke University Church (Interdenominational). Full Members supported the Chapel program but membership was limited to persons affiliated with the University either as faculty or staff. As part of its mission, the Friends of Duke Chapel provide funds to aid numerous aspects of the Chapel program such as the chapel choir, organ, vestments, renovation needs, and provision of televised services. Membership benefits included weekly mailing of the Sunday bulletin, announcements and invitations to services, concerts, and music programs, as well as a Friends of Duke Chapel newsletter.
The Friends have continuously helped fund and contribute to numerous initiatives and renovations of the Chapel, including the construction of a handicapped ramp access to the Chapel, installation of the Flentrop organ, and providing televised access to the Sunday services for patients at Duke Medical Center. They also contributed to enriching the preaching and theologian-in-residence programs.
An Advisory Board governs the group. Originally a nine-person board, it was enlarged to a thirteen person board in 1981, always including the Dean of the Chapel. Past board members include William Stokes, Helen Crotwell, Jack Blackburn, Arthur Kale, William King, Ella Jean Shore, Carolyn Penny, and Mary Parkerson, who became the first Friends Director in 1980.
From the guide to the Friends of Duke Chapel Records, ., 1973 - 1999, (University Archives, Duke University)
