On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Lee University dedicated the fellowship hall and courtyard of the Lee Chapel in memory of Dr. John D. Nichols.

Lee President Dr. Paul Conn spoke at the dedication, along with Dr. John Gregory and Nichols’ daughter, Jeannie Nichols Gooch. Music was provided by Lee’s acapella ensemble Voices of Lee. Also in attendance was Nichols’ wife of 57 years, Norene.

Nichols, who passed away in March 2009, served as chairman and liaison of the Lee University Board of Directors. His life of ministry spanned nearly six decades and included a wide variety of appointments and elected positions, including assistant general overseer of the Church of God, founder of Care Ministries, and Executive Director of the Lazarus Foundation.

Through his friendship with Gregory, founder and managing partner of SJ Strategic Investments LLC, Nichols created the vision for the Leonard Center, bringing a new dimension to the life of Lee University. Nichols received an honorary doctorate from Lee University in 1987.

PHOTOS: Pictured here is Dr. Paul Conn sharing remarks at the dedication. Also pictured are family and friends in the courtyard following the service.