Heinz Chapel

The Heinz Memorial Chapel began as a gift. Henry John Heinz, the founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, wanted to honor his mother, Anna Margaretta Heinz, with “a building” at the University.

Mr. Heinz, who died in 1919, arranged to do that in his will. Mr. Heinz’s three surviving children added to his bequest to memorialize their grandmother and honor their father. Ground was broken for the chapel in 1933, the cornerstone was laid in 1934, and the building was dedicated in 1938.

Annually, more than 100,000 visitors participate in its religious services, weddings, concerts, classes, memorial services, celebrations, and guided tours.

Although the chapel undergoes routine maintenance, its priceless features sometimes require more specialized care. Administrators hope to embark on several projects, including preservation of the steeple, pews, roof, pipe organ, and the famous Charles J. Connick stained-glass windows. By addressing the projects now, we can be certain that the masterpiece will endure for many more decades.  Donations to support any of these initiatives are greatly appreciated.

By donating $150 to the Heinz Chapel Building Fund, you can become a Chapel Angel. Two-thirds of your donation will benefit the chapel’s preservation projects, and $100 of the donation is tax deductible. To thank you, we will present you with a limited-edition stained-glass angel, a reminder of how your generosity will preserve tradition for generations to come.

To make a donation, at any level, to the Heinz Chapel Building please visit the online giving catalog.