Memorial Chapel

Dedicated on October 12, 1952, the multifaith Memorial Chapel stands in honor of members of the University of Maryland community who lost their lives serving our country in the United States Armed Forces.

1940s: Laying the Foundation

In 1946, four students presented the Board of Regents with 1,348 signatures in support of constructing an “interdenominational chapel upon the campus of the University of Maryland at College Park.” After unanimously approving plans to build a chapel, the Regents authorized President Harry C. Byrd to hire Henry Powell as architect. In 1948, the project took on new significance when the Regents decided to dedicate the Chapel to those who served their country in WWI and WWII.

1950s: A Decade of "Firsts"

Though the completion of the Chapel was repeatedly delayed, October 12, 1952 saw the dedication of the building in front of a capacity crowd of more than 1,300 before which Governor Theodore McKeldin delivered an address entitled, "The Importance of Religion." The Chapel would continue to grow in significance during this period becoming an increasingly central part of campus life and home to a number of long-time traditions.

1960s: Social Awareness

The 1960s began with the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Book honoring alumni killed in military service and ended with a more direct confrontation of war as students took to the streets protesting U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The steeple, as the highest point on campus acquired a symbolic as well as religious significance.

1970s: Turbulent Times

As an awareness of national issues as well as tension over the Vietnam War escalated across the country, protests against “the establishment” intensified on campus and around the Chapel. Along with riots and sit-ins, students circulated their own provocative publications criticizing institutions like the government and “The Church.” As the decade came to a close, so did the country’s involvement in Vietnam.

1980s: Renovation and Rejuvenation

The 1980s ushered in a decade of restoration for the Memorial Chapel as a result of both alumni donations and the students’ and faculty’s awareness of the Chapel’s needs. A 1981 fundraising campaign contributed to the restoration of the Moller pipe organ and carillon chimes and in 1987 much of the interior as well as the steeple and clock underwent repairs. During this time many new traditions were initiated.

1990s and 2000s

In the wake of national and global tragedies, Memorial Chapel has served as place for remembrance and reflection. Over the years the Chapel has hosted vigils and services in memory of such events as the space shuttle disasters of Challenger and Columbia, September 11, 2001, the Tsunami disaster and the events at Virginia Tech as a way to connect to the campus, to the nation and to the world. In 2014, with the inception of the University of Maryland in the Big Ten Conference, the Memorial Chapel started a new tradition. Every home and away football, men's basketball, and women's basketball game day, the carillon chimes the "Maryland Fight Song".

Rent the Memorial Chapel, Garden Chapel, or Garden Space

Need a unique space for your student organization's next meeting or event? Consider reserving a place for reflection and productivity among a peaceful, beautiful garden setting at the Memorial Chapel! 

Interested in a rental event? You can check availability of your desired event date by completing our non-binding reservation inquiry form.

A multifaith facility, worship services at Memorial Chapel are as varied as the 14 faith communities represented by the University of Maryland Chaplaincies. For more information on religious life and worship times please contact these campus ministries directly.

Baptist

• Worship on Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m., Garden Chapel.

Black Student Ministries

• Worship on Sundays, 6-7 p.m., Garden Chapel

Catholic

Sunday Schedule:

• 8 a.m.: Adoration, Catholic Student Center
• 10 a.m.: Mass, Catholic Student Center
• 7:30 p.m.: Confession, Chapel Conference Room
• 8 p.m.: Mass, Main Chapel

Daily Mass (Monday through Friday):

• 11:30 a.m.: Confession, Chapel Conference Room
• 12 p.m.: Mass, Main Chapel

Wednesday Mass:

• 5:30 p.m.: Mass followed by dinner, Catholic Student Center

For more events, visit Catholic Terps.

Christian Orthodox

Weekly Vespers

• Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m., Garden Chapel

Christian Science

CSO Weekly Office Hours: 

• Chapel Room 2118, Tuesdays, 5 p.m. or by appointment

Episcopalian / Anglican

Please see the Lutheran chaplaincy for events.

Hindu

Weekly Meditations:

• Tuesdays: Pyon Su (Stamp), 6:15 p.m.

Conference Call Meditation:

• Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 p.m.
• call: (978) 990-5455
• enter code: 7267777

Lutheran (the Humble Walk)

• stART: Tuesdays, 2 p.m., Chapel Lounge
• Biblelogue: Tuesdays, 5 p.m. upstairs office
• En Camino: Wednesdays, 2:35 p.m., Chapel Lounge
• Prayground: Fridays, 11 a.m., upstairs office
• Drop-In with Ann: Fridays, 12-2 p.m., upstairs office
• Sunday Service: 5-7 p.m. (dinner with service to follow): Hope Lutheran Church

Maryland Chabad

Weekly Shabbat

• Fridays, 8:15 p.m., at Maryland Chabad

Shabbat Lunch

• Fridays, 2 p.m., at Maryland Chabad

Maryland Hillel

For daily schedules, programing and events, please refer to the Maryland Hillel website.

• Weekly Shabbat on Fridays – Services (6 p.m.) and Dinner (7:30 p.m.)

Muslim

• Daily Prayer: Cole field house 0204, times change daily
• Friday Jummah: 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.

United Methodist (TerpHub)

Asking the big ?s

A weekly dinner where we ponder faith and life while embodying loving community.

• Chapel Lounge
• 5:30-7 p.m.
• Wednesdays

Chat and Chew with Pastor Nia!

Here's an opportunity to engage in candid, thought provoking, and encouraging conversations with Pastor Nia. Email Nia at chaniad@umd.edu or text (443) 632-8858 to set up an appointment. Let's grab lunch or our favorite snacks!

The Memorial Chapel is pleased to provide resources and offer programs for religious and spiritual diversity, identity, and well-being among. See below for upcming events, resources, and more. 

Sign up for the Interfaith and Spiritual Diversity mailing list by emailing chapel@umd.edu. 

Interfaith Resources

• Should I join this group? A guide.
• Terplink spiritual and religious student organizations
• The Pluralism Project of Harvard University
• Interfaith America

Faith / Spirituality Interest Form

Looking for a faith community? Fill out the Faith Interest Form and a member of our staff will reach out.