In 1942, students at the University of Maryland campus began petitioning for the construction of an inter-denominational, memorial chapel on the College Park campus. The community at large became engaged, and as a result, on October 6, 1952 the university formally dedicated the Memorial Chapel. The chapel honors members of the University of Maryland community who lost their lives while serving in the United States armed forces. No state appropriations were used to build the chapel; support for the construction came from donations and gifts as well as from surplus university income.
Over the years, the chapel has continued to commemorate members of the university community who have lost their lives in the U.S. armed forces. A beautifully bound Roll of Honor, commonly known as the Memorial Book, lists the names of 209 students and alumni who graduated from the university between the years 1919 and 1950 and lost their lives during military service. The chapel's 1952 dedication ceremony included the display of this book. The book remained on display for nearly 50 years before being transferred to the University of Maryland for safe keeping. In addition to the Memorial Book, a Vietnam Memorial was constructed in 1988 on the south side of the chapel. There have been numerous Veterans' day services held at the chapel since it was built. A recent service on November 11, 2004 included a candlelight vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Currently, the chapel is non-denominational and has fourteen chaplains who are appointed by their various denominations and religions. Throughout its tenure on campus, it has been managed by a variety of people and departments. It was first managed under the Office of the President with the executive secretary for many years being Jim Youmans. It then transferred to the Conference and Visitor Services under Student Affairs with Nick Kovalakides being the Campus Visitor Advocate. It is now managed by the Campus Programs unit of the Stamp Student Union in the Division of Student Affairs, with Megan Dillard being the Chapel Coordinator.
Some interesting facts about the history of chapel: Henry Powel Hopkins was the architect for the chapel, and he also designed and made a complete silver communion set to be used in its services. The first funeral recorded was for UMCP Registrar Alma Prienkart, whose un-solved murder in 1954 was a shock to the community. In the wedding registers that were kept by the chapel, the first wedding to be listed was for Albert E. Statt and Helen Ann Bump on November 27, 1952. Additionally, there have been generous gifts made to the chapel. They include the Mollr Organ housed in the Main Chapel, the Carillonic Bells, the Memorial Garden, the above mentioned Communion Silver Set, some Brass Alter Pieces, an Embroidered Altar Cloth, and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. This last item was built largely from the funds of a Mr. Thomas Pangborn of Hagerstown, MD who was a long time friend of the University.
From the guide to the Memorial Chapel records, 1952-2006, 1970-1990, (University of Maryland)
