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Monday, January 16, 2012

Pittsburgh - Heinz Memorial Chapel

The Heinz Memorial Chapel is on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.  Click here for a wikipedia description of the building. All architects and designers are listed on the site and I credit my information to wikipedia. I won't repeat a lot of what is provided, but will give a brief description. This building is worth seeing.  It is in an area of the campus along with the Stephan Foster Memorial and the Cathedral of Learning.



One of the main features that drew me to this building is the stained glass.  The neo-classic design was by Charles Klauder and the stone was grey Indiana limestone.
 All of the wood in the chapel is oak.  The lectern and pulpit area are of English pollard oak.
 The pews are of Appalachian oak.
 Ahh, there they are, the stained glass windows. There are 23 Chapel windows, design by Charles Connick.  The windows are about 4,000 square feet, with 250,000 pieces of glass. There are 391 identifiable people in the windows plus "a large supporting cast of anonymous individuals."





 The ceiling is lined with structural acoustical tile (a ceramic product) which approximates stone.

Here is another view of one of those beautiful stained glass window details.

The wrought iron was beautiful. The lanterns, door fittings, altar cross, candlesticks and all other were created by Samuel Yellin of Philadelphia.


 Stone carvings on the inside and out were intricate and detailed.


There was no fee to enter the chapel.  Check the Heinz Memorial Chapter website for hours. There is plenty of paid street parking in the area.  Be sure to visit the Stephen Foster Memorial and the Cathedral of Learning while you are in the area.

This is book that I found on Amazon with great details about the metal work of Yellin. (affiliate)




This one describes the "eminent Pittsburghers".

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