Though the Chaplain’s Lounge usually contains nondescript black leather couches on a dull blue carpet surrounded by entirely blank, white walls, it takes on a completely different feel every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. This is when Protestant Chaplain Gary Comstock hosts an interfaith, and what he calls “semi-spiritual”, ritual called Vespers.

During these meetings a tapestry-like carpet of many different colors, with a candle at each of its four corners, sits in the middle of a circle of black, purple, and blue sitting pillows. Placed carefully at the center of the carpet is a neat array of equally colorful flowers, which participants are free to take after the weekly ritual. This generosity of spirit and visual warmth is not only reflected in the décor of the room, but also the nature of Vespers itself.

“It’s just a way to de-stress and talk to people,” said Joan Bosco ’09, who has attended since her freshman year. “It’s cool without being overly religious. Plus, it’s a good way to not think about college and work. It doesn’t have a religious motive; it’s just a space, and a very accepting community.”

Every week about 40 students gather together to partake in an activity or ritual led by fellow students or Comstock himself, which is followed by a free dinner. No matter the activity, students finish it by passing around a candle and saying their names or any announcements they have.

“Everyone has a voice at Vespers,” Bosco said.

Often times, for example the most recent dreamcatcher activity, events include arts and crafts.

“Everyone is really busy doing stuff with their hands,” Comstock said. “No one gets a chance to do this everyday.”

Other times, especially around midterms and finals, rituals are more focused around the theme of relaxation.

Allison Zimmer ’10, who has been a frequent attendant this past semester, described a particular meditative exercise she found striking. Students stood up, and, envisioning themselves as trees, stretched their arms up to simulate branches while standing strongly on their feet to represent roots going into the ground.

“There was a sky and earth dichotomy,” Zimmer said. “It was really nice and relaxing.”

Additional activities have taken on more of a community service tone. For example, Bosco led an event last year that had students making Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens.

Vespers started 16 years ago following the death of poet Audre Lorde.

Her death touched the University community so deeply that a memorial service for students and faculty was given in her name. That night, members of the community read poems and shared stories during a casual and uplifting gathering—which also included a brilliant bouquet of flowers.

Inspired by the service, students decided to have a similar meeting every week, with different activities each time. At first, the meetings began on Sundays, and only four students were in regular attendance. Comstock, who had been looking to create some kind of “semi-spiritual” event all along, soon realized that this was not the ideal time.

“I had been asking when should we do this…until someone said [Wednesday nights] and I thought, ‘of course,’” he said. “It was one of those ‘Ah-ha!’ moments.”

As for the name of the group itself, Comstock explained that “Vespers” literally means “evening service.” He also feels the sound of the word itself connotes a “quiet, peaceful, fun” experience, as it resonates similarly with the word “whispers.”

Over the last 16 years, Vespers has helped to unify the campus community, bringing together students of many different faiths, including Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, as well as students who identify as agnostics or atheists.

“Wesleyan is a really diverse place, so if there are specific religious events here, why not non-specific religious events?” said Elizabeth Trammell ’10. “It’s just another part of diversity.”