With services conducted at 8.45 o'clock this morning by W. L. Sperry, dean of the Theological School and chairman of the board of preachers, Harvard's new World War Memorial Chapel, made possible by a gift of $800,000 from alumni of the University, will be thrown open to the public for the first time. Although formal dedication ceremonies will not take place for some time, the chapel will be in daily use from now on.
With the exception of the hanging of lights, the placing of tablets, and a few other matters of decoration, the nave of the building is now completed, in readiness for the services this morning. Although electricians are still working on the organ, the gift of Ralph Isham in memory of his son, Albert Keep Isham '15, enough pipes are connected to enable the playing of ordinary hymns.
The pews, of pine, are painted white and the windows are of plain glass, in keeping with the Colonial architecture. The pulpit, dedicated to the memory of Phillips Brooks '55, and the crest-adorned wooden screen behind it, which separates the nave from the choir, are of oak. It is in the choir, which perpetuates the name of Appleton Chapel, that the regular morning services will ordinarily be held.
The only part of the building which will require some time for completion is the memorial room, directly behind the southern portico, facing Widener Library. Here is to be placed the tablet bearing the inscription, "From these we have learned in peace," and the panels inscribed with the names of Harvard men who died in the War. Dedication of the chapel, as well as the decision as to whether the names of Harvard men who died fighting for the Central Powers will be included in the list, waits upon the completion of the memorial room.
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Morning Chapel