Table of Contents

Locations

  1. Academic and Administrative

    1. Goddard Chapel

      Goddard Chapel, once called ”the most photographed chapel in the country”, was built in 1882 and officially dedicated in 1883. It was built to replace the Coolidge Room in Ballou Hall, which had served as the chapel up until that point. Goddard Chapel was large enough to accommodate the entire student body and faculty in one sitting for events. Attendance at the daily non-sectarian services was mandatory until 1907, when chapel was held three times a week until 1912. The college’s president, who throughout the 19th century was an ordained clergyman, presided at all services, usually delivering a pulpit address on a moral, ethical, or community theme. The chapel was built in a modified Romanesque style. It is constructed of blue-gray slate quarried in Somerville with a red slate roof. At the time of its construction it was considered an architectural tour de force. The transept to the right of the pulpit was taken in 1960 for the offices of the University Chaplaincy. Money to build the chapel was donated in 1881 by Mary Goddard in honor of her late husband, Thomas A. Goddard, a trustee and early donor.


      The chapel bells were donated in a series of gifts beginning in 1908. They ring daily at five o’clock in the afternoon and on special occasions. In 1952, lights to illuminate the tower at night were installed during celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Tufts.


      Today, Goddard Chapel is still used for Protestant and Catholic services. Once a week, it also plays host to a classical music concert, and it houses the acapella concert for incoming freshman each year at matriculation.