University Chapel

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University of Virginia Chapel, July 2, 1912.[1]

The University Chapel is a nondenominational chapel on the grounds of the University of Virginia. It is located to the northwest of the Rotunda. [2]

This structure is not part of Thomas Jefferson’s original design. The University of Virginia was unique in the fact that it was not centered around a church at all, instead centered around a library (the Rotunda). The Chapel was built in 1885, and is still open for events. The bell was donated in 1897 by the VVV Dramatic Club. The Chapel carillion was donated in 1953 by the charitable organization and secret society known as the Seven Society.[2]

Construction

Several sites were considered for the Chapel, including the end of the Lawn opposite the Rotunda. This space, however, was reserved for a future academic building (New Cabell Hall). Modern Languages Professor Maxmillian Schele de Vere spoke at the laying of the cornerstone on March 30, 1885. The cornerstone and the associated time capsule have since gone missing. In 1886, the bell installed in the Chapel cracked.[2]

Renovations

August 1890: A man-made pond to the north of the Chapel was drained and filled in with earth to the proper grade, due to recommendations from the Committee on Health.[2]

October 27, 1895: The Chapel caught on fire during the infamous Rotunda fire.

Circa 1906: Tiffany Studios installed a memorial window to Eugenie Moore Faulkner in the almond-shaped window of the east transept. Most of the memorial windows are original to the chapel.

References

  1. Web. A Chapel On Mr. Jefferson's Grounds, BackStory, a program of Virginia Humanities, September 19, 2016, retrieved November 16, 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Web. UNIVERSITY CHAPEL HISTORIC STRUCTURES REPORT: FINAL REPORT, January 24, 2008, retrieved November 16, 2021.