The River that Sustains: A Convocation Greeting

On Friday, September 5, 2025, Chapel Field held its third annual convocation at Goodwill Church in Montgomery, NY. Our Academic Dean, Mr. Henry Listenberger, welcomed attendees with a greeting, which we are pleased to share below as a Bell Tower article.

Transcript of Greeting – Academic Dean, Henry Listenberger Welcome and good evening! It is my distinct pleasure and honor to greet you all at the beginning of tonight’s event. As the Academic Dean, and as someone who is still a relatively recent…

Henry Listenberger, Academic DeanSeptember 13, 20252025

Talking to Myself

I am not Scottish, at least not that I know of. I’ve never really put much stock in my genetic makeup. I teach my theology students that for Christians our anthropology is eschatological before it is biological anyways. I won’t attempt to explain what that means here, but it is true. Christ shatters linear time in such a way that what is last is actually first. So I am not a Scot but I am a Presbyterian whose Christian heritage is much indebted to many a Scotsman. I love that tradition even if I don’t always see eye to eye with many of those from it in regards to the way that tradition is interpreted, lived…

Justin Chiarot, Biblical Studies Dept. ChairSeptember 5, 20252025

6 Short Excerpts to Read this July 4th

This Independence Day, as we celebrate the birth of our great nation, we at Chapel Field invite you to read these six short excerpts from American texts, speeches, and sermons. As we reflect on our country’s storied history, it is good and right to soak in the wisdom of our forefathers and to give thanks to our God. We hope you’ll read along with us…

Bell Tower EntryJuly 4, 20252025

C.S. Lewis On Summer Reading

When parents ask me for book recommendations for their kids to read over the summer it is usually because they are facing one of two problems: 1) Their child reads ferociously and they have no idea how to find enough good books to throw in front of them, or 2) their child does not like to read at all, and they wish they knew how to find any book that will actually compel them to sit down, read, and finally be quiet. The child in problem…

Henry Listenberger, Academic DeanJuly 3, 20252025

Is Art Essential?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1 — It’s fitting to frame any discussion on the value of art by quoting the very first verse of the Bible. If we truly believe Scripture to be theopneustos or “God-breathed”, we must then recognize that the first description that God provides about Himself is that He is a creator. In Classical Christian education, the traditional academic rigor we strive for should always be infused with…

Andy Spanjer, Art Dept. DirectorJanuary 10, 20252025