Packer Memorial Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Packer Memorial Chapel
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Packer Avenue, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1885 |
| Architect | Addison Hutton |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003234 |
| Added to NRHP | November 20, 1979 |
The Packer Memorial Chapel (also called Packer Memorial Church) is a special old building. It is located on the campus of Lehigh University. This university is in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in the United States.
History of the Chapel
The Packer Memorial Chapel was designed by Addison Hutton. He was an architect from Philadelphia. The chapel was built in 1885. At that time, Lehigh University was connected to the Episcopal Church.
A woman named Mary Packer Cummings gave money for the chapel. She wanted to honor her father, Asa Packer. Asa Packer was an important person. He founded Lehigh University.
The first stone of the chapel was placed on October 8, 1885. This day was the seventh "Founder's Day" for the university. The chapel was officially opened two years later. This happened on October 13, 1887.
In 1979, the chapel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historic building. Asa Packer himself is buried in Mauch Chunk Cemetery. This cemetery is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. His old home, the Asa Packer Mansion, is also there.
What Happens at the Chapel Today
Today, the chapel is open to everyone. It is not connected to one specific church anymore. The university's chaplain's office manages it.
On Sundays, Roman Catholic mass is usually held there. These services happen at 12:10 pm and 9:10 pm. On Fridays, Muslim prayers are held at 1:10 pm.
The chapel is also a popular place for weddings. At least one person getting married must be a Lehigh University student or a graduate.
The chapel used to host a special event. This was called the freshman convocation. It happened when new students started school. But the classes got too big. So, since 2007, this event has been held in a larger hall.
In 1969, a coffee shop opened in the chapel's basement. It was called "The Catacombs." Later, it became a meeting place for graduate students.
Gallery
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Inside the chapel in 1896.
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A side entrance to the chapel.
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The main entrance of Packer Chapel.
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A detailed view of the back of Packer Chapel.
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A detailed view of the side of Packer Chapel.
