Washington Memorial Chapel — located on

Pennsylvania Route 23 Pennsylvania Route 23 (PA 23) is an state highway in southeastern Pennsylvania. The route begins at PA 441 in Marietta and heads east to U.S. Route 1 (US 1) at City Avenue on the border of Lower Merion Township and Philadelphia. PA 23 begins a ...

Valley Forge National Historical Park Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, taking place from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. The National Park Service preserves the site a ...

— is both a national memorial dedicated to General

George Washington George Washington (February 22, 1732, 1799) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first president of the United States from 1789 to 1797. Appointed by the Continental Congress as commander of th ...

and an active Episcopal parish in

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania The Village of Valley Forge is an unincorporated settlement located on the west side of Valley Forge National Historical Park at the confluence of Valley Creek and the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. The remaining village is in Schuylkill Tow ...

. The church was inspired by a sermon preached by Anglican minister Reverend Dr. W. Herbert Burk, founder and first rector of the

parish A parish is a territorial entity in many Christian denominations, constituting a division within a diocese. A parish is under the pastoral care and clerical jurisdiction of a priest, often termed a parish priest, who might be assisted by one or m ...

. The building was designed by architect Milton B. Medary. It was listed on the

National Register of Historic Places The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or "great artistic v ...

on May 1, 2017, and is undergoing an active restoration campaign. It is physically located in Upper Merion Township.

History

Washington Memorial Chapel T-Square Club Catalogue 1908 p

Reverend Burk was rector of an Episcopal church in nearby

Norristown Norristown may mean: * Norristown, Arkansas, an unincorporated community * Norristown, Georgia, an unincorporated community * Norristown, Indiana, an unincorporated community * Norristown, Pennsylvania Norristown is a municipality with home ...

. The money for the chapel was raised in small increments ( nickels and

dimes DIMES (Distributed Internet Measurements & Simulations) was a subproject of the EVERGROW Integrated Project in the EU Information Society Technologies, Future and Emerging Technologies programme. It studied the structure and topology of the Inter ...

), and its stone walls were built a "few feet at a time." In the religious and patriotic zeal of the day, Dr. Burk was active in trying to preserve

Valley Forge Valley Forge functioned as the third of eight winter encampments for the Continental Army's main body, commanded by General George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War. In September 1777, Congress fled Philadelphia to escape the B ...

, and in the establishment of the ''Valley Forge Museum of American History'' (the predecessor to the ''Valley Forge Historical Society''). A previous attempt to build a memorial church at Valley Forge had been launched in 1885 by Baptist minister James M. Guthrie, who raised funds and began building before running out of funds. On June 19, 1903, the 125th anniversary of the evacuation of the

Continental Army The Continental Army was the army of the United Colonies (the Thirteen Colonies) in the Revolutionary-era United States. It was formed by the Second Continental Congress after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, and was establis ...

from

, the cornerstone was laid on property donated by the I. Heston Todd family. A small wood-framed building nearby preceded the present structure. Following President Theodore Roosevelt's visit to the site and address in 1904, the original wooden building was named the "''Theodore Roosevelt Chapel''." It was demolished after completion of the present chapel. The Chapel's exterior was completed in 1917 and its interior in 1921. It serves as a wayside chapel to those who visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, and is open to the public. Noted ironsmith Samuel Yellin produced the

wrought iron Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content (less than 0.08%) in contrast to that of cast iron (2.1% to 4%). It is a semi-fused mass of iron with fibrous slag Inclusion (mineral), inclusions (up to 2% by weight), which give it a ...

gates, hardware, and locks. He was one of many artisans to produce

sculpture Sculpture is the branch of the visual arts that operates in three dimensions. Sculpture is the three-dimensional art work which is physically presented in the dimensions of height, width and depth. It is one of the plastic arts. Durable sc ...

stonework Stonemasonry or stonecraft is the creation of buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone as the primary material. It is one of the oldest activities and professions in human history. Many of the long-lasting, ancient shelters, temples, mo ...

stained glass Stained glass is coloured glass as a material or works created from it. Throughout its thousand-year history, the term has been applied almost exclusively to the windows of churches and other significant religious buildings. Although tradition ...

and

metal work Metalworking is the process of shaping and reshaping metals to create useful objects, parts, assemblies, and large scale structures. As a term it covers a wide and diverse range of processes, skills, and tools for producing objects on every scale ...

. The interior woodwork was supplied by Belgian-American cabinetmaker

Edward Maene Edward Maene (21 April 1852, Bruges, Belgium – 4 December 1931, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a Belgian-American Architectural sculpture, architectural sculptor, woodcarver and cabinetmaker. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was a m ...

(1852–1931). From the visitor's perspective the Chapel, with its central location, can appear to be a part of the park. However, the Chapel and surrounding property belong to the Episcopal Church. Across Valley Forge Park Road (formerly, Port Kennedy Road), standing opposite from the Chapel, is the builder's model of the

Washington Monument The Washington Monument is an obelisk shaped building within the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (1775–1784) in the American Revolutionary War and the ...

. This obelisk marks the grave of Lieutenant John Waterman. The original Waterman gravestone had been on display in the visitor's center museum. The Bell Tower houses the DAR Patriot Rolls, listing those that served in the Revolutionary War, and the Chapel grounds hosted the World of Scouting Museum until ca. 2013.

National Patriots Bell Tower and Carillon

WASHINGTON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA

The ''National Patriots Bell Tower'' was a later addition to the Chapel, and houses its

carillon A carillon ( , ) is a pitched percussion instrument that is played with a keyboard and consists of at least 23 cast-bronze bells. The bells are hung in fixed suspension and tuned in chromatic order so that they can be sounded harmoniou ...

. The tower was built entirely with funds raised by members of the

National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States' efforts towards independence. A non-profit group, they promote ...

(DAR) over a period of more than a decade. Construction began in 1941, but was suspended due to World War II, and restarted in 1949. The bell tower was completed and dedicated in 1953. The Justice Bell ''(Women's Liberty Bell)'' is on permanent display in the bell tower chamber. It was forged in 1915 as a nearly identical replica of the

Liberty Bell The Liberty Bell, previously called the State House Bell or Old State House Bell, is an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia. Originally placed in the steeple of the Pennsylvania State House (now renamed Independence ...

, and became an instrumental symbol of the

Women's Suffrage Women's suffrage is the right of women to vote in elections. Beginning in the start of the 18th century, some people sought to change voting laws to allow women to vote. Liberal political parties would go on to grant women the right to vot ...

movement. In 1920, after touring many parts of the country to promote the passing of the 19th Amendment, the bell was stored on the grounds of Valley Forge National Park before being permanently moved to the bell tower chamber in 1943. The bell tower contains a traditional carillon, with a keyboard of 58 bells. The first 14 bells (from the

Meneely Bell Foundry The Meneely Bell Foundry was a bell foundry established in 1826 in West Troy (now Watervliet), New York, by Andrew Meneely. Two of Andrew's sons continued to operate the foundry after his death, while a third son, Clinton H. Meneely, opened a se ...

) were installed in a temporary wooden tower in 1926, and the number of bells expanded over the course of three decades. Fifty-six bells were installed in the bell tower in 1953, and expanded to 58 bells in 1963 with two bells from the

Fonderie Paccard Fonderie Paccard is a French foundry in Annecy. Founded in 1796, the foundry has cast more than 120,000 bells located throughout the world. The foundry has been continuously operated by seven generations of the Paccard family. The largest bell c ...

in France. The bell tower is played regularly by a resident

carillonneur A carillon ( , ) is a pitched percussion instrument that is played with a keyboard and consists of at least 23 cast-bronze bells. The bells are hung in fixed suspension and tuned in chromatic order so that they can be sounded harmoniou ...

. Concerts, both formal and informal, are held throughout the year and are open to the public.

Features

Stained glass

*George Washington Window (year?), south wall (over entrance),

Nicola D'Ascenzo Nicola D'Ascenzo (September 25, 1871, Torricella Peligna, Italy – April 13, 1954, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an Italian-born American stained glass designer, painter and instructor. He is best known for creating stained glass windows fo ...

, designer, depicts 36 scenes from Washington's life *

Anthony Wayne Anthony Wayne (January 1, 1745 – December 15, 1796) was an American soldier, officer, statesman, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He adopted a military career at the outset of the American Revolutionary War, where his mil ...

Window (year?), west wall, Nicola D'Ascenzo, designer. Depicts 12 scenes of American expansion. *

Alexander Hamilton Alexander Hamilton (January 11, 1755 or 1757July 12, 1804) was an American military officer, statesman, and Founding Father who served as the first United States secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795. Born out of wedlock in Charlest ...

Window (year?), east wall, Nicola D'Ascenzo, designer *

Martha Washington Martha Dandridge Custis Washington (June 21, 1731 — May 22, 1802) was the wife of George Washington, the first president of the United States. Although the title was not coined until after her death, Martha Washington served as the inaugural ...

Window (1918), north wall (over altar), Nicola D'Ascenzo, designer *Washington at Prayer Window (year?), carillon tower chamber, Nicola D'Ascenzo, designer File:Washington Memorial Chapel (inside) Valley forge.jpg, ''Martha Washington Window'' (1918). File:George Washington Window by Nicola D'Ascenzo, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, ''George Washington Window''. File:Patriotism Window and Union Window, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, ''Patriotism Window'' and ''The Union Window''. File:John Paul Jones Window by Nicola D'Ascenzo, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, ''John Paul Jones Window''. File:WASHINGTON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA.jpg, ''Washington at Prayer Window''.

Church furniture

*Baptismal font (limestone & oak, 1907), Milton B. Medary, designer *Pulpit (limestone, 1909), Milton B. Medary, designer *Lectern and Perclose (limestone, 1909), Milton B. Medary, designer *Altar and reredos (limestone, 1916), Milton B. Medary, designer *Litany desk (

Prie-dieu A prie-dieu ( French: literally, "pray oGod") is a type of prayer desk primarily intended for private devotional use, but which may also be found in churches. A similar form of chair in domestic furniture is called "prie-dieu" by analogy. S ...

) (white oak, 1916), chancel, Milton B. Medary, designer,

, carver *Pews of the Patriots (white oak, 1917), Milton B. Medary, designer, Edward Maene, carver. The left front pew is the Presidents' Pew, dedicated to George Washington and

James Monroe James Monroe ( ; April 28, 1758July 4, 1831) was an American statesman, lawyer, diplomat, and Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. A member of the Democratic-Republican Party, Monroe was ...

, the two future Presidents of the United States who endured the Valley Forge encampment. *Choir stalls and

reredos A reredos ( , , ) is a large altarpiece, a screen, or decoration placed behind the altar in a church. It often includes religious images. The term ''reredos'' may also be used for similar structures, if elaborate, in secular architecture, for ex ...

(white oak, 1917–21), choir, Milton B. Medary, designer, Edward Maene, carver *Prayer Desk (Hand Carved, Engraved, 1916), Milton B. Medary, designer. Dedicated in Memory of

Anna Morris Holstein Anna Morris Holstein (, Ellis; pen name, Mrs. H.; April 9, 1824 - December 31, 1900) was an American organizational leader, American Civil War, civil war nurse, and author. From 1862 until the close of the war, Holstein was engaged in the hospita ...

, Founder, Regent Centennial and Memorial Association, led efforts to save, acquire, and preserve Washington’s Headquarters and initial Valley Forge Park acreage. Presented by

Daughters of the American Revolution The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a lineage-based membership service organization for women who are directly descended from a person involved in the United States' efforts towards independence. A non-profit group, they promote ...

(D.A.R.). and Patriotic Order Sons of America (POS of A). File:Baptismal font, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, Baptismal font (1907). File:Pulpit, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, Pulpit (1909). File:Lectern, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, Lectern and Perclose (1909). File:WASHINGTON MEMORIAL CHAP. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA.jpg, Altar and reredos (1916). File:Screen for Presidents' Pew, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, Screen for Presidents' Pew (1917). File:Choir stalls by Edward Maene, Washington Memorial Chapel.JPG, Choir screens (1917). File:Choir stalls by Edward Maene, Washington Memorial Chapel2.JPG, East choir stalls (1917). File:East choir stalls by Edward Maene, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, East choir reredos (c.1920). File:West choir stalls by Edward Maene, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, West choir reredos (c.1920).

Sculpture

*''Valley Forge'' (''Seated Washington'') (statuette, bronze, 1878),

rood screen The rood screen (also choir screen, chancel screen, or jubé) is a common feature in late medieval church architecture. It is typically an ornate partition between the chancel and nave, of more or less open tracery constructed of wood, stone, or ...

Franklin Simmons Franklin Bachelder Simmons (January 11, 1839 – December 8, 1913) was a prominent American sculptor of the nineteenth century. Three of his statues are in the National Statuary Hall Collection, three of his busts are in the United States Senate ...

, sculptor *''Sacrifice and Devotion'' (''Grieving Mother'') (statue, bronze, 1914), Heckscher Memorial, Cloister of the Colonies Garden,

Bela Pratt Bela Lyon Pratt (December 11, 1867 – May 18, 1917) was an American sculptor from Connecticut. Life Pratt was born in Norwich, Connecticut, to Sarah (Whittlesey) and George Pratt, a Yale-educated lawyer. His maternal grandfather, Oramel Whittle ...

, sculptor *''Harrison Memorial Gates'' (wrought iron, 1918), porch, Samuel Yellin, metalworker. *''Declaration of Independence Tablet'' (bas relief, limestone, 1926), nave, Martha Maulsby Hovenden, sculptor
View a short documentary about the Maulsby/Hovenden/Corson families of Plymouth Meeting, PA.
*''United States Constitution Tablet'' (bas relief, limestone, 1936), nave, Martha Maulsby Hovenden, sculptor *''Bishop William White'' (statue, bronze, 1937),

Alexander Stirling Calder Alexander Stirling Calder (January 11, 1870 – January 7, 1945) was an American sculptor and teacher. He was the son of sculptor Alexander Milne Calder and the father of sculptor Alexander (Sandy) Calder. His best-known works are ''George Washi ...

, sculptor *''George Washington'' (statue, limestone, 1953), exterior of National Patriots Bell Tower, C. Paul Jennewein, sculptorHowarth, Shirley Reiff, ''C. Paul Jennewein: Sculptor'', The Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida, 1980, p.138 *''Nathanael Greene'' (statue, bronze, 2015), front lawn, Susie Chisholm, sculptor. File:Valley Forge by Franklin Simmons, Washington Memorial Chapel.JPG, ''Valley Forge'' (1878), by Franklin Simmons. File:Valley Forge National Historical Park 2013-09-30 23-52-57.jpg, ''Grieving Mother'' (1914), by Bela Pratt, Cloister of the Colonies Garden. File:Yellin Gates 1920 Yearbook NY Arch League p246.jpg, ''Harrison Memorial Gates'' (1918), by Samuel Yellin, File:The Minute Man by Samuel Yellin, Washington Memorial Chapel.JPG, Minuteman Latch, ''Harrison Memorial Gates''. File:Declaration of Independence Tablet 1926 by Martha M. Hovenden.jpg, ''Declaration of Independence Tablet'' (1926), by Martha M. Hovenden. File:Framers of the Constitution Tablet 1936 by Martha M. Hovenden.jpg, ''United States Constitution Tablet'' (1936), by Martha M. Hovenden. File:Bishop William White by Alexander Stirling Calder, Washington Memorial Chapel.jpg, ''Bishop William White'' (1937), by Alexander Stirling Calder, Bishop White Garden. File:George Washington (1953) by C. Paul Jennewein.jpg, ''George Washington'' (1953), by C. Paul Jennewein, exterior of bell tower.

Other media

*Mosaic portrait bust of George Washington (year?), bell tower chamber, Nicola D'Ascenzo, designer * Justice Bell ''(aka The Women's Liberty Bell)'' (1915), National Patriots Bell Tower chamber. File:Mosaic portrait of George Washington by Nicola D'Ascenzo.jpg, Washington mosaic portrait bust (year), by Nicola D'Ascenzo File:Valley Forge National Historical Park 2013-09-30 23-57-21.jpg, Justice Bell (1915), National Patriots Bell Tower chamber.

References

Resources

*Rev. W. Herbert Burk, D.D., ''Making a Museum: The Confessions of a Curator'' (1926). Burk was the founder and curator of the Valley Forge Museum of American History. *D'Ascenzo Studios
''The Memorial Windows, Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge, Pa.'' (1930).
*Eleanor H.S. Burk, ''In the Beginning: at Valley Forge and the Washington Memorial Chapel'' (1938). *Shelley A. Perdue, ''The Washington Memorial Chapel: Historic Structure Report and Condition Assessment'', (Masters thesis, University of Pennsylvania, 2005

External links

Washington Memorial Chapel websiteWashington Memorial Chapel & Bell Tower
from Philadelphia Architects and Buildings
National Park ServiceState Tourist websiteWorld of Scouting Museum
{{authority control Monuments and memorials to George Washington in the United States Episcopal churches in Pennsylvania Monuments and memorials in Pennsylvania Valley Forge Churches in Chester County, Pennsylvania Valley Forge National Historical Park Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania National Register of Historic Places in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Towers completed in 1953 Bell towers in the United States Carillons