Chapel and Spirituality
Students come here from different cultural, religious, and faith backgrounds. We embrace this diversity as we nurture hearts, minds, and spirits.
The Irvine Memorial Chapel serves as a campus reminder of the mission to teach students to approach life thoughtfully and creatively, develop moral character, live for something beyond themselves, value their own spirituality, and serve others.
The Chapel is a meeting space on campus where students and faculty come together at various times throughout the year to hear from members of our community and guest speakers. The Chapel is also a place of quietness and peace where school community members can take a break from their busy schedules throughout the week.
For visitors, chapel access is available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when school is in session. Please call Campus Safety at 717-328-1111 to enter the chapel. All are welcome to attend an optional ecumenical service of worship in the Protestant tradition at 4:30 p.m. on Sundays when school is in session. Carillon recitals begin at 3 p.m. on many Sundays.
Attend Soulful Sunday weekly between 10-11 a.m. Each Sunday will begin with guided mindfulness meditation followed by the Liturgy of the Hours, then a rotation of offerings that may include morning yoga, mindfulness workshops, art-making, and other forms of guided creative expression, conversations about meaning and purpose, and more. It’s an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and make space for the parts of ourselves that can be difficult to hear amid the pace of life.
![Historic photo of the Irvine Memorial Chapel being built.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695611603/mercersburgedu/mkwntf1xmgnpdrle0svc/Chapel.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695611603/mercersburgedu/mkwntf1xmgnpdrle0svc/Chapel.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695611603/mercersburgedu/mkwntf1xmgnpdrle0svc/Chapel.jpg","width":800}])
Our Chapel is the culmination of 30 years’ worth of dreaming, planning, and working.
![The Swoope Carillon in Barker Tower]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1656352999/mercersburgedu/bpny7ldyuvg1nwomerap/BELLSsmall.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1656352999/mercersburgedu/bpny7ldyuvg1nwomerap/BELLSsmall.jpg","width":500}])
The Swoope Carillon in Barker Tower is one of 163 traditional carillons in the United States.
![An interior look at the Irvine Memorial Chapel from the center aisle.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1700681363/mercersburgedu/o1kvfeygoxxkshbxda5v/chapel-window.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1700681363/mercersburgedu/o1kvfeygoxxkshbxda5v/chapel-window.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1700681363/mercersburgedu/o1kvfeygoxxkshbxda5v/chapel-window.jpg","width":800}])
Dr. Irvine and Ralph Adams Cram wanted the chapel filled with light; therefore, the windows were of utmost importance to them.
While some denominational churches are within walking distance of campus (including Methodist, Lutheran, The United Church of Christ, and AME), other houses of worship are not accessible on foot. We provide transportation to—or sponsor worship services and events for—those of other faith traditions and use these occasions as teaching moments for the school community.