Photograph by Bill Blanchard

Chapel of the

Immaculate Conception

Acknowledgements

&

Chronology

The story of the little brownstone Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University should be a simple narrative. Unfortunately, records of the construction and later renovations of this beloved building have been lost over the decades. Reconstructing the story is made more difficult by some later accounts that are more speculative than factual. It was necessary to rely to a greater extent than usual on photographic evidence. Even here, it was necessary to carefully analyze photographs in yearbooks and journals. After study, it was clear that some photographs had been erroneously captioned. I have done my best to re-create the story of the Chapel from available evidence but hope that those who read this account will send any corrections or additions they may have.

Without the assistance and dedication of the Special Collections Department of the University Archives, especially Alan Delozier and Joann Cotz, this site would never have been constructed. Alan searched indefatigably and discovered long-neglected photographs and documents that, to my knowledge, have never before been published. Alan, with the assistance of seminarian Thomas Pendrick, unearthed yearbooks and programs with additional photographs, as well as accounts from the nineteenth century newspaper, The Newark Daily Advertiser. The staff of the Center for Academic Technology, especially Russell Francesco, assisted in the development of the site. Monsignor Francis Seymour, Archdiocesan Archivist, provided minute details regarding dates and personalities. Rev. Alfred Celiano, an accomplished musician, recalled from memory the details of the various electronic organs that have served the Chapel. Rev. John Morley gave essential details of the various renovations and repairs of the last three decades. Rev. James Cafone provided equally valuable information and detail. Rev. James Spera gave unhindered access to all areas of the Chapel. Rev. Eugene Cotter kindly translated the various Latin inscriptions. Dr. Peter Ahr was available for continual consultation, commentary and expert advice that included correcting occasional lapses in proper terminology. Matthew Borowick of University Affairs was a source of constant support for this project. Last, but far from least, Bill Blanchard, who has photographed hundreds of university events, is responsible for the magnificent contemporary photographs of the Chapel. My thanks also to many others whose interest, support and comments made this site possible.

Msgr. Robert J. Wister

1863

Construction

Architect: J. O’Rourke

Builder: Moran & O’Rourke

Decorator: J. R. Lamb

1865

Erben Organ Installed

c. 1887

Sacristy Added

Entry Created through Chancel Wall

1906

50^th Anniversary of Seton Hall

Decorator: Prof. Ferdinand Baraldi

New Nave Windows: F. Mayer - Munich

New Chancel Windows (?)

New Entrance Added

Old Entrance Closed - Sacred Heart Chapel Installed

Bell Tower Removed

Passageway Added

Statue of Blessed Virgin Moved to Facade

Interior Redecoration
Immaculate Conception Central Figure on Chancel Wall
Ceiling Decoration in Gold and Blue

Wooden Main Altar and Wooden Side Altars Painted White

New Lighting

Wooden Wainscoting on Chancel Wall Removed

Stone Statue of Sacred Heart Placed in Front of Chapel

1909-1930

Marble Main Altar - 1915

Marble Holy Water Fonts - 1927

New organ - Austin 2 Manual - 7 Ranks - 1928

1931

75th Anniversary of Seton Hall

Decorator: Prof. Gonippo Raggi

Terrazzo Floor in Chancel

Wooden Side Altars Removed

Marble Side Altars Installed

New Lighting

Arch Mural

Chancel Wall Mural Enriched with Angels

Ceiling Decorated with Faux Wood Design

Façade Stained Glass Installed
F. Mayer: Munich and New York

New Stations of the Cross
Raffl of Paris

Exterior Stonework Restored

"It is hoped that in this Jubilee year sufficient funds may be secured to renovate completely the chapel and redecorate it in a worthy manner." 1931 Setonian

“In 1931, for the Diamond Jubilee, Monsignor Meehan of Jersey City (All Saints) financed the two marble side altars, the terrazzo flooring in the sanctuary and the redecoration of the building.” W. N. Field memo to J. J. Dougherty, c. 1963

1947-1949

The Nolan Renovation

Donors: Mr. & Mrs. Frank Nolan

New Gradines on Main Altar

New Bronze Tabernacle

Marble Crucifix - 1949

Lighting Enhanced

New Painting, including Mandorlas behind Statues of Mary and Joseph

Baldachin over Main Altar Installed

Wood Paneling, with Emblems of 12 Apostles
Installed Below Mural on Chancel Wall

Sanctuary Lamp Placed on Pedestal

Benefactors Memorial Plaque Moved to Altar of Blessed Virgin

“In 1947, Mr. And Mrs. Frank Nolan redecorated the Chapel, reduced the ornamentation on the main altar, added the present tabernacle and the reredos." W. N. Field memo to J. J. Dougherty, 1963

1963 - 1966

Chapel Centennial 1963

The Henderson Renovation

Decorator: Rambusch

Donors: Mr. And Mrs. William Henderson

Ceiling Painted with Chevrons over Faux Wood

Mother Seton Chapel Replaces Chapel of Sacred Heart

New Stained Glass Windows Installed in Mother Seton Chapel
(Part of Old Windows later installed in Chapel of Xavier Hall)

Wooden Gothic Reredos Placed behind Statues of Mary and Joseph

Second Cornerstone Placed (1863-1963)

Rogers (Hillsboro, OR) 3 Manual Electronic Organ Installed

Sacristy Stained Glass Windows Installed

1972

Liturgical Renovation

Interior Design: John D'Eletto

Sanctuary Floor Redesigned

Marble Altars Dismantled

Altar Rail Partially Removed

Sanctuary Wooden Screen Installed

New Main Altar Constructed from Marble of Old Altars

Side Shrine Pedestals Constructed from Old Altars

New Emblems Installed on Pedestals

Blessed Virgin Statue Moved to “Right Side”

Tabernacle Moved to “Left Side”

St. Joseph Statue Moved to Entrance

Reredos behind Blessed Virgin and Tabernacle
Constructed from Portions of Rambusch Reredos

Benefactors, Jasici and Holy Water Plaques Moved to Entry

Baldachin Moved Forward

Altars in Choir Loft Removed

Air Conditioning Installed

Lighting Enhanced

Arch Mural Partially Painted Over

1980 – 1990

Allen Organ (Bethlehem, PA) 3 Manual Electronic Organ Installed

Reconciliation Room Installed

Passageway Closed to Presidents Hall, Bathroom Installed

New Floor in Nave

Pews Dismantled and Replaced – Ends Restored

Roof, Gutters, Downspouts Replaced

1990 – 2000

Repair of Chancel Arch

Arch Mural Restored

Handicap Access Provided

Redesign of Plaza

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