Chapel Reference collection, 1933-ongoing
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Summary
- Creator:
- Duke University. University Archives
- Extent:
- 2.1 Linear Feet
- Language:
- Material in English
- Collection ID:
- UA.01.11.0049
- University Archives Record Group:
- 01 -- General Information and University History
01 -- General Information and University History > 11 -- Reference Collections
Background
- Scope and content:
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The Chapel Reference Collection was compiled from a variety of sources by the University Archives for use in reference and research. It includes subject files ordered alphabetically on various subjects relating to the Chapel. Some prominent subjects include: administrative history of the Chapel; the organs (Aeolian, Brombaugh, Flentrop); calendar of events; carillon; Chapel choir; sarcophagi; special services/events; weddings; and windows.
- Biographical / historical:
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When James B. Duke selected the site for Duke University's West Campus, in 1925, he chose to locate the Chapel on the site's highest ridge. The Chapel was the first building planned for the new campus, but the last one to be completed. Construction started in 1930, was completed in 1935, and cost nearly $2.3 million. The Chapel began to be used before its stained-glass windows and other details were finished; commencement was held in the Chapel in 1932.
Although the Chapel was inspired by other buildings, including English cathedrals and the chapels of other American universities, it is not a copy of any other specific building. The architect was Julian Abele, chief designer with the Horace Trumbauer firm, of Philadelphia. America's first black architect of renown, Abele was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and in France. In addition to Duke's original West Campus, he designed the Georgian buildings on Duke's East Campus. Abele's other designs include the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Harvard's Widener Library, and mansions for James B. Duke.
- Acquisition information:
- The Chapel Reference Collection was compiled from a variety of sources by the University Archives for use in reference and research.
- Processing information:
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Processed by Archives Staff, April 2008
Uptaded by Tom Harkins, April 2010
Encoded by Sherrie Bowser, April 2008
Updated by Josh Larkin Rowley, February 2011
Updated by Tracy M. Jackson, February 2022
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Subjects
Click on terms below to find related finding aids on this site. For other related materials in the Duke University Libraries, search for these terms in the Catalog.
Contents
Using These Materials
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Using These Materials
- Restrictions:
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Collection is open for research.
- Terms of access:
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Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
- Before you visit:
- Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
- Preferred citation:
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[Identification of item], Chapel Reference Collection, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.
- Permalink:
- https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1mx39