CHURCH MUSIC INSTRUMENTS

Timeline

* Jan-1914 – Pittsburgh Gazette Times announces the gift of $100,000 from Henry John Heinz to erect a building in memory of his mother, Anna Margaritta Heinz. A letter addressed to the University of Pittsburgh board of trustees from H. J. Heinz states that the building be “exclusively used for the religious and social activities of the student body of the university”.

* 4-Nov-1929 – Deed of Gift is drawn up between Howard Heinz, Clifford Heinz, and Irene E. Given and the University of Pittsburgh.

* 15-Aug-1933 – Groundbreaking for Heinz Memorial Chapel. (W. F. Trimble and Sons, General Contractors)

* Feb-1934 – Cornerstone setting ceremonies.

* 20-Jun-1934 – Contract signed by Howard Heinz for $24,000 to purchase Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ Opus 922, the instrument contained approximately 4,295 pipes, and 89 stops (instruments).

* 20-Nov-1938 – Chapel dedicated at 2:30PM. (Skinner instrument installation complete.) Dr. Russell G. Wichmann, the first organist at Heinz Chapel, plays at Chapel dedication. Shadyside Presbyterian Church quartet, which he directs, and University of Pittsburgh Chorus participate.

* 23-Nov-1938 – First student service in Chapel. (A Thanksgiving Day service held a day early.) Dr. Wichmann serves as organist accompanying the University of Pittsburgh Choir. The Alumni Review reported that all seats were filled well before the scheduled start of the service. According to the student ushers present several hundred students were turned away.

* 1938 – Rev. Raymond F. Brittain, Department of History of Religion, appointed director of religious programs in the Chapel.

* 4-Jan-1939 – Daily 9AM & 1PM programs instituted with 15 minutes of organ music, followed by 10 minutes of responsive reading, singing and prayer.

* 18-Dec-1939 – First Vespers service in Chapel at 2:30PM

* 25-Dec-1939 – Christmas Vespers service at 2:30PM with Dr. Wichmann as organist and the first mention of the “Heinz Chapel Choir of the University of Pittsburgh”

* 19-Feb-1939 – First listing in Chapel Service Program of Theodore M. Finney as director of choir for Vespers.

* 9-Apr-1939 – First listing in Chapel Service Program of ‘University Symphony Orchestra for Easter Vespers. Ensemble included 4 violins, 2 violas and 1 cello.

* 11-Jan-1946 - First wedding ceremony held Chapel[3]

* 1996 - Addition added to the north side of the Chapel.

Students of Viswabharati University (actually school students) all geared up for an exam. Girls still wear sarees in high school ( not outside ofcourse) here.