In order to attract visitors, $30 million is being raised to reopen the University of Massachusetts Old Chapel and encourage students and faculty to learn about its colorful history.
Despite the many theories regarding the function of the Old Chapel, the building was, in fact, the University’s first library. The name “Old Chapel” derives from what Richard Nathhorst, a historian, class of ’79 UMass alum, 36-year UMass employee and Old Chapel expert described as a “high school homeroom” which was referred to as “chapel” in the 19th century. During “chapel,” announcements were made and it is likely that there was a morning prayer held. This took place on the second floor of the building in the auditorium.
The chapel’s auditorium has its own claim to fame since many public figures have spoken on its stage, including Dwight D. Eisenhower, Justin Smith Morrill and supposedly, John F. Kennedy.
The chapel was designed by a Worcester architect, Stephen C. Earle. The plan to build the chapel began in 1879, but construction did not begin until 1884 and was not finished until 1886. The construction and the birth of the Massachusetts Agricultural College took place during an economic depression, and according to Nathhorst, the success of the college despite the tough economic times is credited to Henry Goodell.
The Old Chapel was quickly outgrown by the masses of books that filled its first floor, so in 1936, Goodell Library was completed and became the second library. The auditorium was out grown by the growing student body and in 1915, “chapel” was held in Stockbridge, which can accommodate 900 people. The Old Chapel then held classrooms and offices for the English, history and philosophy departments until Bartlett Hall was built. The Old Chapel then housed the music department until the Fine Arts Center was opened. However, the Jazz and marching bands stayed in the Old Chapel from the ‘60s into the early ‘90s. Proof of their presence is still visible in the Old Chapel today through black board writing, stickers and paintings of marching band, fraternity and sorority insignias.
“When the marching band had the Chapel, it was a wonderful clubhouse for them,” said Nathhorst. The building was later closed due to structural problems with the tower, which was reconstructed with a concrete core.
The fundraising campaign was kicked off Friday by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. The plan is to restore the building to its original 1886 state by opening up the floor plan of the original design by Earle. The 1936 renovations will be undone. The auditorium will be put back in use following the restoration, used as a venue for special lectures and other occasions. It is estimated by Nathhorst that it will be able to hold around 325 to 350 people. The library staff is set to operate in the Chapel following its opening.
Renovations are estimated to cost somewhere between $20 and $30 million which is set to be raised by alumni, staff and students, according to Nathhorst. This renovation has been a goal of the University since the 1980s, said Nathhorst. A Carillon Society will be formed following the renovations, which will be open to both staff and students.
The reopening of the Old Chapel is a part of the UMass Rising campaign which was put in motion this past April, since 2013 is also the 150th anniversary of the University. This campaign has a fundraising goal of $300 million, $55 million of which is set to go toward supporting talented students and scholarships. $54 million is set to support first-class faculty by recruiting and retaining excellent faculty and to create 27 new endowed chairs and professorships. $97 million will go to supporting research programs, $54 million to buildings and infrastructure and $40 million to supporting UMass’ annual fund.
The class of 2013 kick-started the reopening and renovation of the Old Chapel by making it their senior class gift. Showing appreciation for the class of 1886, who all donated ten dollars toward the installation of the clock tower as their class gift, Senior Class Campaign Co-Chairs Lauren Bryne and Nick DiPierro set a goal to raise $33,000 for the renovations. The class of 2013 met this goal with $33,169. The pledge was then matched by the UMass Amherst Foundation (UMAF) Board, doubling the total amount.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Old Chapel is the myth that it is haunted by Henry Hill Goodell, whose wake was supposedly held in the Chapel in 1905. The marching band came up with this story due to the clanking pipes in the winter.
“It absolutely sounds like footsteps. I’ve been up here working on the clock alone and the heat will come on and it literally sounds like someone is walking around downstairs,” said Nathhorst.
“If there hadn’t been a UMass, I wouldn’t have gotten to go to college. I’m one of those poor kids from Massachusetts that they had in mind when they founded this place back in 1863,”said Richard Nathhorst when asked why he’s so passionate about his work at UMass. “This is our heritage, this is why were able to go to school here and get a wonderful education, an education that is every bit as wonderful as the best ivy leagues.”
Kari Peer can be reached at [email protected].
