History of the Chapel
In the 1960s, Edith Davis Eve offered Penn State Altoona a gift of $125,000, with the stipulation that the money be used to construct a chapel for all faiths and that the gift be matched. The Chapel, a one-story brick building with a sixty-five-foot tower, was completed in 1970.
Edith Davis Eve was born in Altoona in 1873 to a family of educators. She attended the Altoona schools, graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design, and later studied at a kindergarten training school in Michigan. She taught kindergarten in Altoona for several years, then moved to Augusta, Georgia, in 1908 after marrying Oswell B. Eve. She taught kindergarten in Georgia for thirty years, then returned to Altoona in 1939 after retirement. The Edith Davis Eve Chapel epitomizes Mrs. Eve’s appreciation of beauty, her spiritual devotion, and her deep interest in education.
Chapel Facilities
The Chapel tower contains a fifty-bell carillon and is adorned with stained-glass windows. The sanctuary contains an altar area, choir loft, Yamaha Clavinova organ, and seating for 125–150. Located elsewhere in the building are office spaces for the chaplains, a social room, coat racks, and restrooms.
Floor Plan for the Sanctuary of the Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel at Penn State Altoona
Floor Plan for the Social Room of the Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel at Penn State Altoona
Use of the Chapel
Weddings, Christenings, Baptisms, Memorials
Eligibility
Anyone may schedule a Saturday—or weekday during summer months—wedding, christening, or baptism in the Edith Davis Eve Chapel. Weddings may be scheduled by persons of any faith with the stipulation that the ceremony must meet the legal requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. These are on a first-come, first-served basis, and a fee is charged for using the facility.
Application
To reserve the Chapel, complete the online reservation form. Scheduling up to one year in advance is advisable due to the large number of weddings normally scheduled. For example, if a couple wishes to be married in June in the Chapel, the wedding should be scheduled at least eight to ten months in advance.
Fees
There is a $375 nonrefundable charge for all weddings and Saturday rentals. Weddings include one hour for rehearsal on Friday and a four-hour wedding time block on Saturday: either 10:00 a.m.–2 p.m. or 3:00–7:00 p.m. Memorials, christenings, and baptisms may be scheduled on an hourly basis with a nonrefundable charge of $75 per hour.
Arrangements
The individual scheduling the Chapel agrees to make their own arrangements for the following services:
- clergy, priest, or judge
- a qualified organist
- florist/decor
- fees for person officiating the ceremony, florist, etc.
- All materials for use in the ceremony such as a cross, altar covers, candle snuffers, etc., should be arranged with the person performing the ceremony.
Remember to check all rooms for decorations and personal items after the wedding. Penn State Altoona is not be responsible for items left behind or unattended.
Important Notes
- No food or beverages are permitted in the Chapel except in the designated “Social Room.” Alcoholic beverages are prohibited anywhere on campus property.
- Unity candles are permitted, but care must be taken that wax does not drip on the altar area.
- Two candelabras are available for use. White candles are provided, and the party MUST use them. Anyone using any other candle will be subject to a damage fee.
- The wedding party must provide their own aisle runners. The aisle is twenty-one and a half feet long. No pins or nails are permitted to be used in the Chapel for decorations.
- There are ten rows of pews in the Chapel.
- A Yamaha Clavinova organ is available for use, but it may not be moved for any reason. The wedding party must provide an organist or pianist.
- There is not a sound system available for public use; the wedding party must provide their own.
- No confetti or rice will be thrown at weddings in or on the grounds around the Chapel. Birdseed (millet) may only be thrown outside the Chapel.
Parking and Driving on Sidewalks
Address
Edith Davis Eve Chapel
3000 Ivyside Drive
Altoona, PA 16601
GPS Coordinates
- Main Entrance - Juniata Gap Road
40º 32’ 20.2” N, 078º 24’ 35.7” W - Broadway Entrance
40º 32’ 26.6” N, 078º 24’ 16.5” W
Parking is prohibited on walks, grassy areas, dirt areas, graveled areas (unless specified for parking), in loading zones, in service drives, on the roadway, near fire hydrants, fire lanes, and building entrances and exits, at posted prohibitions, or in any other area that is not designated specifically by markings or signs as a parking space. Only delivery vehicles are permitted on the walkway leading from Gwin Road to the parking lot above the Edith Davis Eve Chapel. There are several spaces in that lot for Chapel use; you may park in those spaces without a parking permit. All others must park in the Misciagna parking lot. Please make your guests aware that they may receive citations for any parking violations.
Accessibility and ADA information can be found on our interactive campus map.
If you have parking questions, refer to the campus map or call Penn State Altoona University Police at 814-949-5222.
Contact Information
Michele Bettwy
Strategic Communications
[email protected]
814-949-5160
University Police (24 hours)
814-949-5222
