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 Chapel’s mission to teach students to approach life thoughtfully and creatively, to develop moral character, to live for something beyond themselves, to value their own spirituality, and to 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 or 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.
School Minister Rev. Dr. Will Whitmore serves as a pastoral presence on campus and seeks to engage and encourage students, faculty, and staff regardless of their beliefs.
For visitors, Chapel access is available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. when school is in session. Please call Campus Safety to enter the Chapel at 717-328-1111. All are welcome to attend an optional ecumenical service of worship in the Protestant tradition at 11 a.m. on Sundays when school is in session, as well as for our carillon recitals at 3 p.m. on many Sundays.
Our Chapel is the culmination of 30 years’ worth of dreaming, planning, and working.
The Swoope Carillon in Barker Tower is one of 163 traditional carillons in the United States.
Dr. Irvine and Mr. 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, 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. For more information, contact School Minister Rev. Dr. Will Whitmore at 717-328-6137 or whitmorew@mercersburg.edu.