History
Built more than a century ago, Ford Memorial Chapel was a gift of John Baptiste Ford in memory of his wife Mary and was dedicated in June 1902. With an exterior of Cleveland sandstone, the structure could seat 600 and featured a pipe organ and beautiful colored glass windows - gothic windows on the north and south, a rose window to the east, and smaller windows in the chancel area, facing west. Recent efforts have sought to uncover and restore the building's original features.
The Chapel has hosted musical concerts from its early years, and during the 1930's it housed the music program that was begun under Morten Luvaas. A large gathering space adjacent to sanctuary served as Luvaas's office and classroom, earning it the name of the Oratory, which it still bears today.
Programming
Ford Chapel is used for weekly worship during the school year, with an Ecumenical Chapel service every Sunday morning and Roman Catholic Mass on Sunday evenings. Other worship events include periodic praise and worship services, Lenten services, and a Hanging of the Greens. The Chapel hosts college-wide
ceremonies, including initiation services and the College Honors Convocation. This warm, inviting space continues to be a popular site for recitals and concerts, including annual
appearances by the Alexander String Quartet. Lectures and others meetings are also scheduled in the sanctuary.
Although the Music Department now has quarters elsewhere, the Oratory still provides classroom and meeting space and is used for fellowship meals before or after worship. Anytime the building is not reserved for an event, it is available as quiet space for members of the campus community to study, pray or reflect. The building is open from 7 a.m. till midnight everyday when school is in session.
Reservation Information
Those with ties to Allegheny College (students, alumni, staff, or relatives of staff members) may reserve the Chapel for weddings and other occasions. To reserve the space during the school year, contact the Office of Religious Life at 814-332-2800. For use during the summer, contact the Office of Conference and Event Services at 814-332-3101. Learn more about hosting weddings at Allegheny...
