MONT ALTO TO REOPEN, DEDICATE EMMANUEL CHAPEL
Do you remember the peaceful days you spent by the Antietam stream, enjoying the mountain breezes, with the beautiful Emmanuel Chapel setting the scene for a perfect day? That area of the campus has not been quite as peaceful this semester, but the future is looking brighter for the Emmanuel Chapel and the Mont Alto students and community members who will be able to use the Chapel.

Construction trailers moved onto the campus and the contractors took over the land as the long-awaited renovation and addition to the Emmanuel Chapel began in early February. The campaign to renovate the chapel began in 1993 with an appeal to alumni, employees, and friends of the campus. Some of the funding for the $325,000 project was garnered during this early campaign, but the campus is still raising funds for the upkeep and preservation of this historic treasure.

The quaint chapel, located on the edge of the Penn State Mont Alto campus, is often the background for area wedding photos and senior portraits. But, for many years, the chapel has stood empty, the victim of damaging rains, winds, and inattention. This beautiful landmark on the Mont Alto campus has a rich history. Built in 1854, the chapel is believed to have been the worship site of a well-known abolitionist in the late 1850s.

According to a 1970 account by Rev. William Parker Neal, a man by the name of "Isaac Smith" appeared in the Mont Alto area in 1859. It was first thought that Smith was scouting the area for a business location. Smith lived in Chambersburg and operated a sawmill near Mont Alto. He was receiving heavy boxes, and he told local residents that the boxes contained mining equipment. Smith attended services at the Emmanuel Chapel during his time in this area. On October 16, 1859, "Isaac Smith" made an unsuccessful raid on Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. After his capture, it was learned that Isaac Smith was actually John Brown. The historic account states that Brown received his last Holy Communion at the Emmanuel Chapel before heading to Harper’s Ferry.

The historic chapel remained in use for over 100 years after John Brown’s visit, under the supervision and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese. In 1992, Penn State Mont Alto purchased the chapel for $1 from the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. At the service to secularize the consecrated building, Bishop Charlie McNutt of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania said the chapel gave "long years of service, but in recent years, there has been no congregation here in Mont Alto." He added, "after many years of conversations, it was decided that this building should be turned over to the University for preservation and upkeep."

The campus is about to make good on its promise to return the building to the thriving center for both the local community and the students on campus. The next time you visit the chapel, it will have new windows, doors, carpet, paint, and pews. There will also be an addition behind the chapel which contains a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a storage area. The design of the renovated chapel was created by Noelker and Hull, Chambersburg. The construction project was coordinated by R.A. Hill Inc., Chambersburg.

The renovated chapel will become the site of spiritual services; ethical, historical and cultural speakers; art exhibits; and small theatrical productions. It will also be available once again for weddings.

"Our hope is to introduce the spirit and memories of the chapel to the students of today and tomorrow," said Dr. David Goldenberg, CEO. "This building is the setting for wonderful memories and experiences for many Mont Alto alums, and we want to preserve the chapel and ensure that those experiences continue for future generations of students."

The renovations and additions to Emmanuel Chapel are expected to cost $325,000. The campus is currently raising funds to maintain and preserve this historic structure, and to establish an endowment for programs that will return the chapel to its original, spiritual roots.

"We have created several naming opportunities for alumni and community members who wish to donate to the chapel fund in honor of a friend or relative," said Dr. Goldenberg. Individuals who donate $500 or more will receive a signed and numbered color print of the Emmanuel Chapel oil painting by award-winning, local artist Charles Brown.

The grand opening for the Emmanuel Chapel is planned for May 22, 2000. Penn State University President Graham B. Spanier will be on campus for the grand opening event. Thanks to the perseverance and vision of Mont Alto alums and donors, such as Josephine Auten and Robert Rumler, to name a few, a new chapter will begin for the historic chapel at Penn State Mont Alto.

This fall, Mont Alto students will have the opportunity to sit by the Antietam stream, enjoying the mountain breezes, with the beautiful Emmanuel Chapel setting the scene for a perfect day!