Marquand Chapel (1882-1920)
But due to Princeton’s extraordinary growth under President James McCosh,
the “Old Chapel” had earlier been replaced by an impressive building that would
have triply horrified the Presbyterian sensibilities that were discomforted with
its predecessor. Marquand Chapel, completed in 1882, was said to have the “rounded apse
of a Roman basilica, the transept of a Gothic cathedral, and the minaret of a
Turkish mosque!” 9 Yet it was a beautiful structure able to seat 1000, and was
built by architect Richard Morris Hunt who had developed his skills at the
prestigious École des Beaux Arts in Paris. 10 In Marquand’s inaugural sermon
President McCosh proclaimed “Here art is consecrated to religion.” 11 Tragically
Marquand burned down in 1920, and as students awaited a new chapel,
they worshipped for eight years in Alexander Hall.
