Building Policies - Princeton Theological Seminary

Seminary Chapel and Scheide Hall

The building is the spiritual center of the campus has been in continuous use by the Seminary community for worship since it was completed in 1834. Originally designed by local architect Charles Steadman, the original building has been renovated four times – in 1874, 1933, 1964 and most recently in 2000. It encompasses a ‘one-room’ worship space uniting celebrants, choir and congregation. The central pulpit emphasizes the centrality of the proclaimed Word of God in the Reformed tradition. Seminary Chapel is home to the Joe R. Engle Organ, which was a gift to Princeton Seminary in 2000. In addition to worship services, Seminary Chapel is also the locale for various concerts hosted by the seminary throughout the year, including numerous concerts performed by the Seminary Choirs. The basement of SeminaryChapel houses the Prayer and Wellness Room as well as the Spiritual Direction Room, and Vestry.

Built in 2000, Scheide Hall provides a home for the worship and music programs of the Seminary, including offices for the minister of the chapel and the director of music. In the basement are a handful of music practice rooms that can be used by students. Scheide also houses the Gambrell Room with its tall floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Jane Irwin Memorial Garden and Amphitheater between Scheide and Seminary Chapel. This room is used for choir rehearsals and occasional lectures and recitals. This companion building to Seminary Chapel is named in honor of the family of former Princeton Seminary trustee and benefactor William H. Scheide and his wife, Gertrude. Dr. Scheide was a world-renowned Bach scholar who founded the Bach Aria Group and owned one of the world’s largest collections of Bach manuscripts.

Articles about Seminary Chapel, Scheide Hall, and the Joe R. Engle Organ

All Things Bright and Beautiful, by Barbara Chapel. inSpire Winter 2001, pp. 14–16
The Renovation of Miller Chapel, by James F. Kay. The Princeton Seminary Bulletin Vol. 22.1
The Joe R. Engle Organ, by Martin Tel. The Princeton Seminary Bulletin Vol. 22.1 2001
The Joe R. Engle Organ, interview with organ builder Paul Fritts. The Diapason December 2001, pp. 22-23

Building Use & Room Reservation

Seminary Chapel and the Gambrell Room in Scheide Hall can be reserved by campus organizations or outside groups, but the person or group must follow the guidelines set up for each room. All inquiries should be directed to the Chapel Office.

Wedding Policy

The chapel is available for weddings only when the bride or groom, or a parent of either, is a student, graduate, trustee, or an employee of the Seminary. All inquiries should be directed to the Chapel Office.