Packer Memorial Church
In 1879 Asa Packer died and his wife followed in 1882. Their children, Mary and Harry, decided to build and dedicate the church to their parents. The desigh process began in 1883 under the direction of Addison Hutton, who also designed the gym and library at that time. In 1884 Harry died leaving the task of the Church up to Mary. Building was completed in1885 with it's placement at the entrance of the Lehigh campus. It was a symbol of what Lehigh stood for-religion and truth. That changed however in 1985 when the E.W. Fairchild-Martindale Library and Computing Center was built. Now the entrance to Lehigh showed that it was a place of science and no longer religion.
In the church's 116 year history it has been used as a church, like Mary intended, and as a chapel. When the school began, Asa Packer made sure that every student went to chapel. It was a highly regulated process when the school was just Christmas Hall and then when the University Center was built. In those two buildings, it was held in a small room that was later used for classes and studying. After the church's completion mandatory services were held there. It wasn't until 1937-1938 that this practice was stopped, but it did cause all services to end due to poor attendence. After that all uses of the church were governed by university officials. In 1964, Roman Catholic Mass was held within Packer Memorial Church. From then up to the present Sunday and holy days services are held. This, however can be changed if the University wants to use it in other ways. Another group that uses the church is the Bach Chior. Every year they hold their spring festival there. This practice started in 1905 when Charles M. Schwab convienced J.Fred Wolle to return from California. Because the Moravians would no longer let him use their church for free, President Drinker gladly offered the use of Packer Church to him.