A silent sentinel on a bustling block, St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel stands watch. It observes the lively activity of the Penn Alexander School and Parent Infant Center. This magnificent structure offers a stark contrast to its surroundings. St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel whispers tales of a bygone era, a time of roaring prosperity and ambitious dreams.
St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a time capsule, preserving the spirit of the 1920s. Built in 1924 as the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Episcopal Seminary, it embodies the optimism and grandeur of the Roaring Twenties. The seminary, founded in 1857 by Bishop Alonzo Potter, had a unique relationship with the University of Pennsylvania. This connection is ironic, considering the Church of England’s historical persecution of Quakers.
The story of St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel begins with the acquisition of the “Chestnutwold” estate. This five-acre property, once a jewel of West Philadelphia, was purchased by the Philadelphia Divinity School. The existing buildings were razed, leaving only the iron gates as a reminder of the past. In their place rose a vision of Collegiate Gothic splendor, designed by the esteemed architectural firm Zantzinger, Borie and Medary. The firm, with its strong ties to Penn alumni, was known for designing a variety of structures, including office buildings, museums, and even homes for Philadelphia’s elite. One of the partners, Clarence Clark Zantzinger, had a personal connection to the estate. He was the grandson of the original owner, Clarence Clark.
The architects’ vision for the Philadelphia Divinity School was ambitious. They envisioned a sprawling campus with dormitories, dining halls, and libraries. At the heart of this complex stood St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel. The chapel’s interior is a testament to the era’s craftsmanship. The ironwork by Samuel Yellin, stained glass by Nicola D’Ascenzo’s studios, and the carved limestone reredos are breathtaking. These details echo the opulence found in renowned churches like St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York.
Sadly, the Great Depression brought the Divinity School’s ambitious plans to a halt. Only six of the planned twenty-two structures were completed. The school struggled, never reaching the prominence of its counterparts in New York or Cambridge. In 1974, the school closed, and the University of Pennsylvania acquired the property.
Today, St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel remains largely closed to the public. Its magnificent interior, a sanctuary of art and history, is only glimpsed during occasional concerts or art installations. It stands as a poignant reminder of a time of grand aspirations, a silent testament to the enduring power of beauty and craftsmanship. St. Andrew’s Collegiate Chapel continues to inspire awe and wonder in those fortunate enough to step inside.