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, U.S. |
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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 |
Packer Memorial Chapel is a special and historic building. It is located on the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA. People also call it Packer Memorial Church.
Contents
History
Building the Chapel
A famous architect named Addison Hutton designed the chapel. It was built in 1885. At that time, Lehigh University was connected to the Episcopal Church.
Mary Packer Cummings gave the money to build it. She wanted to honor her father, Asa Packer. The first stone was placed on October 8, 1885. This day was the university's seventh Founder's Day.
The chapel was officially opened two years later. This happened on October 13, 1887. In 1979, the chapel became a protected historic place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Asa Packer was buried in Mauch Chunk Cemetery. This cemetery is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. His large home, the Asa Packer Mansion, was also in Jim Thorpe.
Chapel Today
Today, the chapel welcomes people of all faiths. It is managed by the university's chaplain's office. On Sundays, Roman Catholic mass is usually held there. Muslim prayers are held on Fridays.
The chapel is also a popular place for weddings. At least one person getting married must be a Lehigh University student or a past student.
The chapel used to host a special welcome event for new students. This event was called freshman convocation. However, more students joined the university each year. Because of this, the event moved to a larger hall in 2007.
In the basement of the chapel, there was once a coffee house. It was named "The Catacombs" in 1969. Later, this space became a meeting place for graduate students.
Gallery
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Inside the chapel in 1896
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Above a side entrance
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The main entrance of Packer Chapel
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A detailed view of the chapel's rear
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A detailed view of the chapel's side
