Description

The Memorial Church of Harvard University, more commonly known as the Harvard Memorial Church (or simply MemChurch) is a building on the campus of Harvard University.HistoryPredecessorsThe first distinct building for worship at Harvard University was Holden Chapel, built in 1744. The college soon outgrew the building, which was replaced by a chapel inside Harvard Hall in 1766, then a chapel in University Hall in 1814, and finally by Appleton Chapel, a building dedicated solely to worship sited where The Memorial Church now stands.Standing for 73 years before the current building, Appleton Chapel was home to religious life at Harvard until 1932. Its namesake is preserved inside Memorial Church, as the Appleton Chapel portion of the main building houses the daily service of Morning Prayer. When Appleton Chapel was built in 1858, thanks to the generosity of Samuel Appleton, Morning Prayer attendance was compulsory. When attendance became voluntary in 1886, the College was left with a building that had become too large for the Morning Prayer services and too small for the Sunday services. Although there was talk of building a more suitable chapel for worship at Harvard, nothing was done until soon after World War I when Harvard University President Abbott Lawrence Lowell (1909-1933) combined the idea of a war memorial with the need for a new chapel. Appleton Chapel was torn down after the 1931 Commencement. The University Architects Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbott, were enlisted to design the new building, and they planned a structure that would complement the imposing edifice of Widener Library. This created an open area known as the Tercentenary Theatre, where Commencement Exercises are held.

Reviews for Memorial Church

Cheyne L.

A beautiful church. Large and it's a great place to sit on the steps and sulk up the sun.

Mason M.

My girlfriend loves this church, and I've been for holiday services - the main pastor is an amazing orator, and the guest speakers have well prepared and... Read more

A Welcoming and Affirming Community of faith in the heart of Cambridge, MA in Central Square near Harvard University and MIT. All are most welcome to join us!

We are a group of people who love Jesus, and have experienced His saving power. We warmly welcome all those who are hungry for more of Jesus.