Ira Allen Chapel

Ira Allen Chapel
Location Burlington, Vermont
Coordinates 44°28′47″N 73°11′57″W / 44.47972°N 73.19917°W / 44.47972; -73.19917Coordinates: 44°28′47″N 73°11′57″W / 44.47972°N 73.19917°W / 44.47972; -73.19917
Built 1925–26
Architect McKim, Mead & White (William Mitchell Kendall, Supervising Architect[1])
Architectural style Colonial Revival
Part of University Green Historic District[2] (#75000139[3])
Added to NRHP April 14, 1975

Ira Allen Chapel is a building on the campus of the University of Vermont (UVM), which is located on the northwest corner of the "University Green" in Burlington, Vermont (on the corner of Colchester Avenue and University Place). The building was constructed during 1925–26,[4] and dedicated on January 14, 1927.[5] It was added to National Register of Historic Places as part of "University Green Historic District" on April 14, 1975.[6]

History

Ira Allen Chapel was named after the University of Vermont's founder, Ira Allen. Construction of the building was made possible by a $200,000 endowment[7] from James Benjamin Wilbur, LL. D (1856–1929[8]) of Manchester, VT in 1924.[9]

Construction

The cornerstone of the Ira Allen Chapel was installed on June 22, 1925 as part of the commencement activities that year.[10]

Construction of the Ira Allen Chapel in 1925

The building was designed by the architect William Mitchell Kendall of McKim, Mead, and White of New York; the same architectural firm which designed the university's Waterman Building (built in 1941), Fleming Museum (1931), Southwick Building (1934), Slade Hall (1928), as well as Burlington City Hall (1928). The building was erected under the supervision of builder, O.S. Nichols (of Essex Junction, VT).[11]

Angell Hall (or the Angell House), originally built in 1869 to serve as the President's house (and later converted into a Women's dormitory in 1917[12]) was demolished to make way for construction of the chapel.[13]

In May 1926, the chapel's 2,063 lb (936 kg) bell, manufactured by the McShane Bell Foundry Company, Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland was installed in the belfry (for the total cost of $1,685).[14]

During the construction of the chapel's tower, rumors had been circulated that it was unstable. After some investigation engineers reported that the tower's structure was more than sufficient, explaining that the tower's interior corner wooden columns and their connecting castings over the top of the open arches were filled with reinforced concrete.[15]

James B. Wilbur: Benefactor

James Benjamin Wilbur was a wealthy businessman and American history enthusiast who had made his fortune in ranching and banking in Colorado, and serving as president of the Royal Trust Company of Chicago until his retirement and move to Vermont in 1909.[8] During his retirement years he had amassed a substantial collection of documents pertaining to Vermont history.[16] In this time Wilbur discovered and developed keen intrigue in the historically controversial character of Ira Allen, subsequently resolving that it was "a sacred duty to undertake the writing of his life."[17] By 1920, Wilbur's collection of "Vermontiana" assisted him to begin writing Allen's biography, which was eventually published in 1928 as a two-volume work entitled: "Ira Allen: Founder of Vermont, 1751–1814".[8]

Ira Allen monument on the UVM Green (shown with the Ira Allen Chapel in the background)

In 1921, Wilbur first donated to the university a bronze statue monument of Ira Allen (sculpted by Sherry Edmundson Fry) upon a foundation of Barre Granite that was installed on the University Green in front of the university's "Old Mill" building facing west toward College St. and Lake Champlain. The monument to General Lafayette, which was originally installed at this location in 1883 was moved to the north end of "the Green" (in proximity to where the Ira Allen Chapel stands today).[18]

In 1924, Wilbur proposed an offer to the UVM Board of Trustees to build a chapel on conditions; that it be named the "Ira Allen Chapel", and that the chapel be sited and designed by the University's consulting architects at the time; McKim, Mead & White of New York City.[19]

"I do all this out of respect for the memory of the one whom I consider Vermont's greatest and most neglected citizen, Ira Allen."
— James B. Wilbur, Proposal to the UVM Board of Trustees, 1924

By 1929, Wilbur had also established a $3m endowment scholarship for the University (which still exists today), and donated an additional $100,000 for the construction of the Robert Hull Fleming Museum, as well as his personal Vermont historical library to the university; today known as the Wilbur Collection. Up until this point in time he had become the largest private benefactor in the university's history. An ironic twist of fate lies in the fact that Ira Allen had left behind a tattered reputation with regard to the university, having never been able to follow up during his lifetime on his 1791 founding pledge of 4,000 pounds[17] that was intended for the construction of the university's buildings.[20] However, Wilbur's ineffable dedication to Allen's character over a century later suggests that adequate amends were made for any of his fiduciary lapses within the annals of the university's history.[21]

Pipe organ

Philharmonic Pipe Organ installed at Ira Allen Chapel in 1927

The original organ installed in the Ira Allen Chapel was a three-manual, electro-pnuematic Welte-Mignon Philharmonic Pipe Organ. The manual compass was CC to C4 (61 notes). The pedal compass was CCC to G (32 notes). The wind chests of the manuals featured superoctave couplers (4'), which extended the compass of the keyboards to 73 notes. There was also installed a reproducing console, which played recorded rolls in detail utilizing pedals, swells, and tempo characteristics of renown organists.[5]

During the chapel's dedication ceremony of 14 January 1927, the organ was played by Dr. T. Tertius Noble, the organist of St. Thomas' Church of New York, who concluded the event with two organ recitals composed of classical pieces, and an original piece that was said to have demonstrated the capabilities of the instrument.[22]

"The work was a study in harmony and scanty use of solo stops. A few arpeggios with the harp stop were most effectively used."
— Vermont Alumni Weekly, January 1927

In 1985, the pipe organ was removed due to building renovations requiring the installation of a new airshaft in place of the organ's pipes. The installation of a new pipe organ was estimated to cost in the millions of dollars, and was further anticipated to have complications due to the effect of varying temperature and humidity on the organ's intonation system. The prospect was thus determined to be cost-prohibitive. However, in August 2004, a new Rogers Trillium 3 digital electronic organ was installed (costing about $100,000).[23] Organ enthusiasts have argued against the authenticity of the digitally re-created pipe organ sound.[24]

The University's reasoning for a new Chapel

Chapel services on the university's campus from the 1830s onward were held in the chapel of the Main College building underneath its formerly erected central dome, in what is today is known as the John Dewey Lounge.[25] Although the chapel was enlarged during the 1882–83 modernization and renovation of the Main College building, throughout the ensuing 45 years the student population continued to grow beyond its capacity. Furthermore, the inadequate heating system of the facility could not sufficiently heat the room for an "8:00 or 8:30 am service", which up to that point in time was a compulsory obligation.

By the early 1900s, attendance at the chapel services had become greatly reduced much to the dismay of the sitting university president of the day, Matthew Henry Buckham. Although the president was said to have hated the word "compulsory", he nevertheless felt that everyone should attend chapel services. However, this was impossible due to the chapel's limited capacity.[4] In 1910, a compulsory chapel attendance rule was enacted by the university, which mandated that all students attend services at least three times per week. The rule was seen by the administration as a benefit to the school because all of the departments were regularly brought together. Furthermore, the administration had an intention that someday daily attendance would be made possible by the fulfillment of what was then viewed as "one of the university's greatest needs";[26] a new chapel.

Soon after Buckham's passing in November 1910, it was reported in a university periodical that a memorial to Matthew Henry Buckham ought take the shape of a chapel; "It would be fitting, however, if in the coming years there shall be erected by the side of Morrill Hall, commemorating the service of a son of Vermont whom he loved, a memorial chapel bearing his name..."[26]

Although this vision was never realized, fate eventually played out that the Ira Allen Chapel was to be built on the same spot where for almost 40 years, president Buckham had lived and worked (i.e. Angell House).[4] By the time of Ira Allen Chapel's design, it was intended that it serve as a meeting place to accommodate the entire student body, using reported figures from 1923 totaling 1146 students.[19]

Architecture

Hexagonal dome extending 40 ft. above the roof of the Ira Allen Chapel (from the south)

The building's footprint was constructed in the shape of a Latin cross. There is a 170 ft. high[21][27] (by 20 ft2) bell tower offset to the northwest corner of the nave of the main structure that is fitted with four clocks (one for each side of the tower) measuring eight feet in diameter. At night, the beams from the electric lamp on the top tier of the tower are said to be visible from Mt. Mansfield eastward (the highest summit in Vermont) to Mt. Marcy westward (the highest summit in the Adirondack mountains of New York State).[9]

Historical interior view of the Ira Allen Chapel from the balcony

The length of the nave runs roughly east-west for 135 ft. at a 50 ft. width. The 46 foot wide transepts of "the cross" extend perpendicular from the nave structure (i.e. north-south) for 20' 6".[13] Hence, the width of the main structure totals about 90 ft. The floor area of the building is 39,141 ft2 (gross area) and 26,532 ft2 (finished area).[28] The main structure is 40 ft. high and has a slate roof. Extending an additional 40 ft. above the roof and from the center of the building (e.g. the intersection of the nave and the transepts) is a low hexagonal dome topped with a lantern and golden cupola.

The building was built using locally manufactured brick laid in English bond with ivory colored trim. The face of the main structure was fashioned in Greek Revival style with a portico installed with six 32 ft. Ionic columns.[29] The portico's pediment has a central traced elliptical window and flanking white swags.[21] Barre granite steps (roughly the width of the nave) ascend to the front entrance, which consists of three large doors leading to the inner vestibule.[30] The auditorium seats about 1,100 people, including 200 in the balconies.[4][29]

The eastern facade of the building has a basement level which is five bays wide.[21]

Additions and maintenance

The "Little Chapel" within the basement of the Ira Allen Chapel, circa 1957
Postcard of the Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont, circa 1930–45

In 1945, a "Little Chapel" was constructed in the basement underneath the southern transept. It is considered to be an architectural unit complete with cathedral glass, beamed ceiling, chancel floor, and leaded windows.[31]

On October 17, 1953, an electronic (Maas–Rowe) symphonic-carillon was dedicated in the Ira Allen Chapel. It was the first such carillon with the capability for tuning in both major and minor tonality, and which allowed for the Carillonneur to vary the tonal coloring according to harmonic requirements. Up to this point, electronic carillons could only be tuned to one tonality, thus preventing their bells from sounding in tune at all times.[32] The device consisted of eight large speakers mounted above the bells in the tower, a console with two manuals and 64 bells at the base of the tower, and four 50 watt amplifiers housed in the basement.[33] The $5,000 instrument[29] was presented to the University by the Interfraternity Council and dedicated to UVM students who had fallen in combat while in service to their country. However, the allotted funding for the carillon was obtained from proceeds of the ill-famed annual Kake Walk winter carnival event, a strange and "culturally racist"[34] tradition which had its origins at the university during the mid-1880s (or prior).[35] The event was officially ended on 1 November 1969.[36] The carillon was replaced in 1986.[37]

While making major repairs to the chapel in 1954, a group of workers were trapped within the tower for four hours due to high winds that prevented their climbing down.[38]

In June 1966, the outside of the chapel and bell tower were repainted and a new gold leaf was applied over the tower dome cupola; a project which had cost $6,000.[38]

Gravesite of John Dewey & wife Roberta on the north side of the Chapel, 2013

In 1972, the urn containing the ashes of Burlington native and world-renowned American philosopher and educational reformer John Dewey (UVM class of 1879), as well as the remains of his wife, Roberta Dewey were interred at a memorial adjacent to the north side of the building.[39] This is the only known grave site on the UVM campus.[40]

In 1981, one of the original cornices had rotted out to about 25% of its original material. It required Moose Creek Restoration a month to recreate the carved edifice in plaster and epoxy coating (weighing 200 pounds).[41]

During early 1982, each of the four of the clocks on the tower had been displaying different times. The University commissioned Pat Boyden (UVM class of 1967) to rebuild the clock mechanism and replace the clock hands with a lighter aluminum material. Boyden further donated new hour and minute markings for the clocks.[42]

1986 schematic of the Billings–Ira Allen Campus Center & Campus Center Theatre

In 1986 major improvements were made to the Ira Allen Chapel and Billings Library building, forming a combined Ira Allen–Billings Student Center. A wing was constructed abutting the south transept of the Ira Allen Chapel at the basement level. The roof of the wing serves as a patio adjoining the chapel to Billings. An additional building known as the Campus Center Theatre was constructed, which abuts part of the north transept of the Chapel. The back entrance of the theatre is accessible from the rear vestibule of Ira Allen Chapel. The roof of the entryway serves as an open terrace and also connects the two buildings together. It is accessible from the back of the auditorium (i.e. the first floor) of Ira Allen Chapel and from stairways from the east, and the north. The front entrance of the Campus Center Theatre faces north toward Colchester Avenue.[43] These additions were designed by the architectural firm Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson, and Abbott.[21] Also during this year, a new carillon was installed, replacing the 1953 instrument. The new instrument had a range of almost four full octaves which were played from a two-tiered keyboard located in the chapel’s choir loft.[44]

In 1990, an extensive rehabilitation project of the bell tower took place, which consisted of stabilization and repainting of the tower and the belfry.[21]

Although Ira Allen Chapel is no longer used for regular religious services, the facility hosts special campus events and ceremonies and has further been visited by many world-renowned speakers.[45]

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Schoettle, Clark, "Deceased Architects and Builders who have worked in Burlington, Vermont", 1978
  2. ↑ Louise B. Roomet; Chester H. Leibs (October 24, 1974). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form: University Green Historic District" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2015-07-22. 17 Photos (1973)
  3. ↑ Staff (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  4. 1 2 3 4 The History of University of Vermont Buildings: 1800– 1947 The J.L. Hills papers. Burlington, Vermont: Special Collections Department, University of Vermont Libraries. 1949. p. 56.
  5. 1 2 "Program of Organ Recitals", Dedication of the Ira Allen Chapel, The University of Vermont: January 14, 1927. (pamphlet obtained from the UVM Bailey–Howe Library, Special Collections Department)
  6. ↑ City of Burlington, Vermont: Department of Planning & Zoning: Properties & Districts listed on the National Register (dated: November 2011) – University Green Historic District, April 29, 1975 http://www.burlingtonvt.gov/PZ/National-Register-of-Historic-Places Accessed: August 4, 2015
  7. ↑ "James B. Wilbur", The University of Vermont Foundation, http://alumni.uvm.edu/foundation/ Accessed August 5, 2015.
  8. 1 2 3 The Quarterly Journal of the New York State Historical Association Vol. 10, No. 3 (July 1929). "Obituaries on JSTOR". New York State Historical Association. pp. 225–228. Retrieved February 20, 2016.
  9. 1 2 "Doors to Ira Allen Chapel Open at University of Vermont This Morning: James B. Wilbur, Who is Donor of the Structure, Presents Key". Burlington Daily News, Vol. 61, No. 12. January 14, 1927.
  10. ↑ "Cornerstone of the Ira Allen Chapel is Laid". Vermont Alumni Weekly: Commencement Issue, Vol. IV, No. 33. July 1, 1925.
  11. ↑ "Order of Service for the Dedication of Ira Allen Chapel" (Description), The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont: (11 am) January 14, 1927. (pamphlet obtained from the UVM Bailey–Howe Library, Special Collections Department)
  12. ↑ Thomas, John D. (2005). University of Vermont: The Campus History Series. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. p. 81. ISBN 978-0-7385-3777-1.
  13. 1 2 "Plans for the Ira Allen Chapel Completed". Vermont Alumni Weekly, Vol. IV, No. 16. February 11, 1925.
  14. ↑ McShane Bell Foundry Company, Inc. (Bill of Terms to the University of Vermont). Baltimore, Maryland: McShane Bell Foundry Company, Inc. May 11, 1926.
  15. ↑ "No Serious Trouble with Ira Allen Chapel Tower: Prominent Engineers, After Careful Investigation, Declare That Rumors of Serious Defects in the Tower are without Foundation in Fact". Vermont Alumni Weekly. July 14, 1926.
  16. ↑ "The Development of UVM's Vermontiana Collection" (PDF). Liber: A Newsletter for the Friends of Special Collections at UVM, Vol. III, No. 12. Spring 1987.
  17. 1 2 Graffagnino, J. Kevin; Daniels, Robert V., Senior Editor (1 September 1991). The University of Vermont: The First Two Hundred Years. Burlington, Vermont: University of Vermont. p. 33.
  18. ↑ The History of University of Vermont Buildings: 1800–1947 The J.L. Hills papers. Burlington, Vermont: Special Collections Department, University of Vermont Libraries. 1949. p. 106.
  19. 1 2 The James B. Wilbur papers. Burlington, Vermont: Special Collections Department, University of Vermont Libraries.
  20. ↑ A.J.H Dyer (1896). "General Ira Allen". The American Monthly Magazine: Daughters of the American Revolution, Vol. IX (Washington D.C.: National Society, D.A.R.): 57.
  21. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Allen, L.; Davis, K.; Farley, S.; Gibson, S.; Hammerstedt, E.; Provost, D.; Thrane, W. (2000). "UVM Green Historic District Information to the National Register Listing (Section Number 7)". Burlington, Vermont: University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  22. ↑ "New Ira Allen Chapel, Gift of Hon. James B. Wilbur, Dedicated". Vermont Alumni Weekly: Dedication of the Ira Allen Chapel, Vol. IV, No. 13 (The Alumni Council of the University of Vermont). January 19, 1927.
  23. ↑ Wakefield, Jeff (August 31, 2005). "Organizing a Revival" (PDF). The View: University Communications.
  24. ↑ Charnoff, Neal (December 23, 2005). "Ira Allen Chapel makes switch to digital organ". VPR.net (news archive).
  25. ↑ Lipke, Bill, (Professor Emeritus) (2001). "The Art and Architecture at UVM – John Dewey Memorial Lounge". Burlington, Vermont: University of Vermont. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
  26. 1 2 "Chapel Attendance". U.V.M. Notes, Vol. 7, No. 5. Jan 1911.
  27. ↑ Prevolos, Christine (2011). "University Green Area Heritage Study – Ira Allen Chapel (Historic Burlington Research Project – HP 206)". Burlington, Vermont: UVM Historic Preservation Program. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  28. ↑ City of Burlington, Vermont: Assessor's Office – Property Database, Accessed April 11, 2016
  29. 1 2 3 "The Ira Allen Chapel". This Week Vol. 12, No. 21 (January 28 – February 4, 1983).: a publication of the University of Vermont
  30. ↑ "Ira Allen Chapel Temple of Service to Service". Burlington Free Press and Times. January 14, 1927.
  31. ↑ "'Little Chapel' Becomes Reality". The Vermont Alumni News, Vol. 25, No. 06. March 1945.
  32. ↑ "Dedication of the Memorial Carillon: Ira Allen Chapel", The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont: October 17, 1953. (Program pamphlet obtained from the UVM Bailey–Howe Library, Special Collections Department)
  33. ↑ Weinrich, Francis A., Assistant Professor of Music (January 1957). "The Ira Allen Chapel". Bulletin of the University of Vermont, Vol. 54, No. 01.
  34. ↑ Lynda Majarian (January 30, 2004). "Confronting Kake Walk". The View (University of Vermont).
  35. ↑ Honza, Kimberly (October 27, 1977). "Kake Walk: A Troubled Memory Lane". The Vermont Cynic (University of Vermont).
  36. ↑ Loewen, James W. (2010). Lies Across America: What Our Historic Sites Get Wrong. The New Press. ISBN 978-1595586766.
  37. ↑ "In Celebration of the Centennial Year of the Billings Library and the Diamond Jubilee of the Ira Allen Chapel", Dedication ceremonies of The Billings–Ira Allen Campus Center, Friday the 18th of April 1986 (Program pamphlet obtained from the UVM Bailey–Howe Library, Special Collections Department)
  38. 1 2 "Chapel Beauty Treatment". Burlington Free Press. June 15, 1966.
  39. ↑ Rockefeller, Steven C. (1991). John Dewey: Religious Faith and Democratic Humanism. New York: Columbia University Press. p. 560.
  40. ↑ Monty, Lynn (July 5, 2014). "Take a walk back in time at UVM". Burlington Free Press.
  41. ↑ "Cornice Restoration". Burlington Free Press. June 3, 1981.
  42. ↑ "Time Stands Still". Burlington Free Press. April 22, 1982.
  43. ↑ Prevolos, Christine (2011). "University Green Area Heritage Study – Campus Center Theatre (Historic Burlington Research Project – HP 206)". Burlington, Vermont: UVM Historic Preservation Program. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  44. ↑ Tom Weaver (September 23, 2002). "Bells Take a Toll on Performer". The View (University of Vermont).
  45. ↑ "History Amid Progress: UVM Then and Now", The University of Vermont Foundation, http://alumni.uvm.edu/foundation/ Accessed August 6, 2015.

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