Willamette University and
The United Methodist Church

Most private colleges and universities began as religious foundations. What medieval monks intended at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Paris, is what New England Puritans wished for Harvard and Yale, Virginia Anglicans, for William and Mary, New Jersey Presbyterians, for Princeton, Philadelphia Quakers for Swarthmore andt Jason Lee and his Methodist missionary friends for Willamette in 1842.

Known originally as the Oregon Institute, Willamette was dedicated to the "intellectual and moral training" of the territory's youth, including women as well as men, and people of color as well as whites. Serving God through education was (and is) a natural for the Methodist tradition, which arguably began in a university -- Oxford, where its founder, John Wesley, taught Greek and logic.

Today, Willamette affirms its education-friendly United Methodist affiliations with nearly 100 other institutions -- places like Duke, Boston, Syracuse, Dickinson, Drew and Emory. Any college with "Wesleyan" in its name also shares Willamette University's heritage.

Like these and other nationally-ranked colleges, Willamette values liberal learning and welcomes students of "all sorts and conditions." Nevertheless, it maintains its church relationship. The most obvious markers are Cone Chapel, the Office of the Chaplains and the Religious Studies Department. In addition, three representatives of the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church (the bishop, a clergyperson and a layperson) serve on Willamette's Board of Trustees. The Conference also holds its annual summer meeting at Willamette three years out of every four.

A more important continuity is the ethos of service represented by the University's motto: "Non nobis solum nati sumus. -- Not unto ourselves alone are we born."

Salem-Keizer United Methodist Churches

Frequently Asked Questions about Willamette University and The United Methodist Church

Is Willamette a "Christian College"?

Though Willamette is church-related, it values free inquiry and does not make religious affiliation or doctrinal uniformity a condition for admission or employment.

What religious traditions are represented on campus?

Christians of many denominations, Jews and a sprinkling of people from other religious traditions teach and work at Willamette. Student religious information is typically volunteered by half of an entering class: Of these, 40 percent identify as generically "Christian" or "Protestant." Of those who declare a particular affiliation, Catholics are the most prominent, followed by Lutherans, United Methodists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Latter-day Saints, Baptists and Jews. In short, campus religious patterns closely approximate those of Willamette's geographical context.

Are there chapel services?

Sunday services in Cone Chapel are held only on an occasional, seasonal basis, although a mid-week prayer service has begun this fall. Cone Chapel is used frequently for private prayer and meditation, for weddings and memorial services, for convocations (often addressing ethical, social or spiritual issues) and for music recitals.

What about local houses of worship?

Salem's religious communities welcome Willamette students. There are a half-dozen churches within walking distance of campus, including United Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Baptist, Congregational (U.C.C.) and Catholic. Salem's Jewish community (Temple Beth Sholom) and other churches of many denominations and traditions are a short drive away.

Are there special considerations for United Methodists?

United Methodist students have access to a denominationally-based scholarship and loan program, as well as some specially designated Willamette funds. Details are available from the Office of Financial Aid.

What provisions are there for people of other faiths?

The Office of the Chaplains is university liaison with a range of student religious groups. The Office of the Chaplains is ready to help other religious groups organize as need is demonstrated.

Are there Bible study opportunities?

Yes; at least two student religious groups sponsor residence hall Bible studies across the campus. On request, the Office of the Chaplains will help organize others.

What about students who choose not to participate in a religious tradition?

Undergraduate years are typically a time during which deep questions are asked and identity is formed -- not necessarily in an institutionally religious setting. The University supports all students in their seeking. Many unaffiliated students explore their spirituality through community service or in their academic work -- typically in religious studies, philosophy, psychology, anthropology and literature courses.

How can I get further information?

Visit or call the Office of the Chaplains on the second floor of the Putnam University Center, 503-370-6213, or email us.