2 small colleges were only a mile apart. Only 1 survived. David Jesse, Detroit Free Press Published 9:39 pm UTC Feb. 13, 2021 JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The steeple stretches into the sky, towering above the trees just beginning to show fall colors. Around the chapel are other buildings fronted by columns that stretch two stories up, with ornamental arches and crests atop doorways. These are the halls where students once slept, ate and studied for decade upon decade. But the steeple of Annie Merner Chapel, like leather seats in an old car parked in the sun, has cracks. The paint on the chapel is peeling. The woodwork needs repair. Students no longer cross the threshold to pray, worship or get married.