Nestled in the northwest corner of St. Andrew Methodist Church’s 21-acre campus in Plano is a new chapel – The Hasley Chapel – overlooking a pond and a lush, wooded area. This “chapel in the woods,” reminiscent of the chapels from the Arkansas home of St. Andrew’s beloved founding pastor, the late Rev. Robert Hasley, was built to honor his 35-years of ministry at St. Andrew. A stand-alone chapel was a dream of Rev. Hasley’s during the development of the church’s 30-year master plan in 2015, and it was hoped the church could build it a few years later. That dream is now a reality.
On August 13, hundreds of St. Andrew church members gathered at The Hasley Chapel to honor Rev. Hasley at a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony, led by Rev. Arthur Jones; Sharon Hasley, wife of Robert Hasley; St. Andrew Capital Campaign Co-Chairs Laura and Tom Morris and Debbie and Dave Rader, who provided wisdom and support propelling plans and fundraising efforts; and Nancy and Tom Juhn, chair of St. Andrew’s building committee. As Sharon Hasley cut the ribbon, loud cheers erupted from a standing-room-only crowd of church members who filled the chapel for the celebration.
“This is not only an exciting and historical day at St. Andrew – it is also a very emotional one,” said Rev. Arthur Jones, Sr. Pastor, St. Andrew Methodist Church. “We know that Robert is here with us in spirit as we dedicate his chapel in the woods, a beautiful space where people can encounter Christ and feel the love of God while leading others to do the same. Robert was St. Andrew’s first shepherd who pointed us to Jesus every day.”
Plans for building the chapel were revisited in 2021 immediately after Rev. Hasley passed the baton to now Senior Pastor Rev. Arthur Jones, and his title changed to founding pastor. The congregation wanted a special way to honor his legacy and ministry. A few weeks later when Rev. Hasley was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, it was determined that the chapel with Hasley as its namesake would be the perfect way to honor him. The building committee met, leadership was organized, and money was raised to begin construction of the $10 million, 10,000 sq. ft., 300-seat chapel.
On Nov. 7, 2021, hundreds gathered for the chapel groundbreaking during which Plano Mayor John Muns read a surprise proclamation declaring Nov. 7 “Robert Hasley Day” in Plano. As Mayor Muns concluded the proclamation, he encouraged all citizens to join him and the Plano City Council in honoring Rev. Hasley for “faithfully fulfilling his divine call to servant leadership where he has made a positive impact in countless lives.”
Now completed, The Hasley Chapel has an A-frame roof supported by wood trusses and roof deck and is composed of natural materials such as wood and stone on the interior and exterior with scenic views of the creek from the worship space. Support areas such as restrooms, a parlor, sacristy, and vestry are organized on the west side of the building. The chapel also features a balcony for an organ, choir loft, and additional seating. The chapel will serve as a home for more intimate weddings, funerals, worship services, and small conference events.
“As you walk into the chapel, you can feel Robert’s warmth and hints of his Arkansas home with the wood, stone, and glass,” added Rev. Jones. “As you look to the left, there is a painting commissioned to evoke the feelings of Psalm 23 and Matthew 18. These two scripture passages highlight what it means to be a good shepherd and remind me of Robert’s confidence through his cancer diagnosis, which showed us all how to live each day to the fullest. In the 12 years that I knew him, he demonstrated his knowledge of the simple and profound promise of God every day by the love he showed to all who knew him.”
Rev. Hasley passed away on July 21, 2022, just three months after construction began, but his memory and legacy live on throughout the campus of St. Andrew and in his beautiful “chapel in the woods.”
For more information on the Hasley Chapel and St. Andrew, visit www.standrewmethodist.org or call 972-380-8001.
St. Andrew Methodist Church began in 1986 in the spirit of its namesake, a disciple of Jesus. The life of the Apostle Andrew embodies the church's mission, which is to invite the Christian-ish and the unchurched to become passionate servants of Christ. The congregation of St. Andrew follows Jesus, lives in relationship, serves others, and takes risks in faith. Worship includes four services each weekend on a 21.2-acre campus at the corner of Plano Parkway and Mira Vista in Plano, Texas, where more than 2,000 people worship each weekend. The Sanctuary hosts worship in both a traditional style with the classic pipe organ and a contemporary style with an LED center screen and lighting technology. Small groups and Bible studies gather on campus and throughout the region every day of the week. Mission opportunities serve our local area, neighboring regions, and global communities. The church has been repeatedly selected as a "Best Place to Worship in Plano” by the readers of the Plano Star Courier. St. Andrew Methodist Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, Texas 75093. Visit www.standrewmethodist.org; call 972-380-8001.