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Buchtel Memorial Chapel (Denver, Colo.)

 Organization

Biography

University of Denver. The Buchtel Memorial Chapel was begun in 1907 when the cornerstone was laid. Buchtel "puportedly handed Colorado Springs architect Thomas Barber a photograph of a mission-style church and asked him to create a similar-looking structure for the University" (Built for Learning, p. 18). Progress on the building languished throughout the decade from its start to its completion due to lack of funds. "It was originally dedicated in 1917 as the Memorial Chapel to honor DU alumni who perished in World War I. In 1946 it was renamed the Buchtel Chapel in memory of Henry Buchtel." The chapel was destroyed by fire in 1983, leaving a tower as the sole remaining piece of the structure. (DU Today, Summer 2006 issue).

Biography

Buchtel Memorial Chapel Groundbreaking (-1983) on October 17, 1907.

Sources

University of Denver. (1974). Special Collections and Archives. University of Denver Buildings Collection. Inventory of University Buildings. [U123.01.0004.0031]

Biography

Cornerstone laid for Buchtel Memorial Chapel in October 26, 1910. (not dedicated until 1917 to honor those who had died in WWI)

Sources

Breck, From the Rockies to the World, 1997, 106; University of Denver. (1974). Special Collections and Archives. University of Denver Buildings Collection. Inventory of University Buildings. [U123.01.0004.0031].

Biography

Buchtel Memorial Chapel dedicated to soldiers fighting in World War I in December 30, 1917.

Sources

University of Denver. (1974). Special Collections and Archives. University of Denver Buildings Collection. Inventory of University Buildings. [U123.01.0004.0031]

Biography

A tribute service was held in Buchtel Chapel in memorial of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death on April 5, 1968. On July 20, 1983, a fire destroys Buchtel Memorial Chapel, leaving only one tower remaining.

Citation:
“Buchtel services pay tribute to death of Martin Luther King,” The University of Denver Clarion, vol. 72, no. 44, April 9, 1968, 4.

University of Denver. (1974). Special Collections and Archives. University of Denver Buildings Collection. Inventory of University Buildings. [U123.01.0004.0031]

Found in 238 Collections and/or Records:

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00011
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. Fire hoses crisscross a driveway behind a firetruck. A latter reaches between the north towers of Buchtel Chapel. Smoke and haze cover the scene.

Dates: 1983

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00012
Abstract

Interior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. View of the sanctuary and the destroyed organ pipes.

Dates: 1983

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983 July 21

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00013
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. Looking at main entrance, caution tape in the foreground.

Dates: 1983 July 21

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00014
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. The chapel smokes immediately after the flames are extinguished.

Dates: 1983

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983 July 20

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00016
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. Firemen battle the fire from above in an extendable basket.

Dates: 1983 July 20

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00017
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. View from the rear of the building with smoke damage on the upper walls.

Dates: 1983

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00018
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. Side view, walls only half standing, chapel in state of complete ruin.

Dates: 1983

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983 July 20

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00019
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. The chapel smokes immediately after the flames are extinguished.

Dates: 1983 July 20

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1984 July

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00020
Abstract

Exterior view of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the fire. All the windows gone, a large tree and bush are in the foreground.

Dates: 1984 July

University of Denver Buchtel Chapel - Fire and Demolition, 1983 September

 Item
Identifier: U201.01.0015.0011.00021
Abstract

2 sets of negatives and photographs of negatives depicting exterior views of University of Denver's Buchtel Chapel in Denver, Colorado after the July 1983 fire.

Dates: 1983 September