On Friday, Sept. 6, Rockhurst University students and faculty gathered near 54th St. and Troost Ave. for the topping off ceremony of the Alvin J. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice.

“This is a big deal that you’re here! It’s not every day you get to see a building be built on campus,” said Anna Muenchen, campus minister for retreats and spiritual development, to a group of students. The students, taking a break from class, along with various faculty members across campus, stood in what used to be the parking lot for the Rockhurst Community Center with the sun shining brightly down, waiting with a sense of bored anticipation.

A collection of men in brightly colored shirts and hard hats stood in the shade, seemingly proud of the building behind them: The Alvin J. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice. The skeleton of the heaven-reaching steeple had one last piece to be added before it could be finished off. The final beam, signed by Rockhurst students, faculty and staff was about to be raised. 

A topping off ceremony is a common tradition where the last, or in this case, the highest, beam is placed on a structure. There is debate over where the tradition started, but many believe that both Scandinavians and Native Americans had similar customs to signify a milestone in the progress of the building of an important place.

Construction having began in April 2024, this ceremony highlighted a landmark in the completion of a building that will be significant to the Rockhurst community. The Alvin J. Brooks Center for Faith-Justice is intended to be “a hub for a number of University-related faith-justice efforts and offices for the KC Common Good anti-violence organization, and the center will also house a campus chapel,” according to the Rockhurst Offices of Advancement and Mission & Ministry.

The chapel is designed to fit 140 seats and will feature religious artwork that reflects the history of both Rockhurst and Kansas City. The center will also house office spaces, conference rooms, a communal gathering area and a kitchen, where the university and its partners can collaborate on identifying opportunities for education about social injustices and develop strategies for addressing them.

The name of the building is a tribute to Alvin J. Brooks, a living legend in the landscape of social justice, public service and civil rights in Kansas City.

Surprised by the petite size of the particular beam being raised, Rev. Stephen Hess shared his thoughts on the momentous occasion. “It may be small, but it’s holding something very important up,” Hess said. As he continued his speech, he shared how this final beam holds significance because it is as if it is holding up a beacon of light, going up to God, reminding the community of their purpose. 

President Sandra Cassidy closed the ceremony by extending utmost gratitude, on behalf of all of Rockhurst University, to everyone involved in the process of “creating a space where we can better live out our mission and purpose.” She recognized Rev. Thomas Curran, JE Dunn Construction, the creativity of the Helix Design team, the hearts of generous donors, and Brooks. With the most emphasis, she thanked God for “entrusting us to have a faith that does justice.” 

Before the final beam was placed loftily in the sky, the construction workers gathered in front of the crowd, some of them with family there supporting them, for a final blessing. The crowd extended their hands toward the workers during this special moment, thanking them for providing a space for the community to worship, pray and serve. 

The building is expected to be fully complete in late spring or early summer 2025.