Old Chapel (Amherst, Massachusetts)

Old Chapel
View of the Old Chapel steeple, with W.E.B. Du Bois Library in the background.
Alternative names	Old Chapel Library Stone Chapel
General information
Type	Academic offices, assembly hall, library
Architectural style	Richardsonian Romanesque
Current tenants	Vacant
Construction started	1884
Completed	1887
Technical details
Floor count	3
Design and construction
Main contractor	John Beston, Amherst
Architect	Stephen C. Earle, Worcester

Old Chapel, formerly known as the Old Chapel Library, is a landmark on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Constructed in 1884 at a cost of $25,000^[1] to serve as a library, museum, and assembly hall, the Richardson Romanesque style building, constructed by Stephen C. Earle, has over the years been home to numerous academic departments and, most recently, the UMass Marching Band.^[2] The Chapel's original bell, "Old Aggie," was added in 1892, since replaced by 44 Carillon bells.^[1] Although the tower underwent a $1.65 million renovation in 1999, the Old Chapel has been uninhabited since 1996; a movement among alumni exists to further renovate the interior of the building, allowing the Old Chapel to again be used as a center for campus life.^[1]

John F. Kennedy spoke at the Chapel during his 1952 U.S. Senate campaign.^[2]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Phillis, Michael. Old Chapel is UMass’ lone national registry of historic places qualifier. The Massachusetts Daily Collegian. December 9, 2009 Retrieved 2011-4-11.
2. ^ ^{a b} Unofficial Old Chapel Library Homepage, Brief History of Old Chapel Library. Retrieved 2010-4-11.