495 Comments for Eden Hall Chapel

I served mass there as an altar boy from 1954 to 1960. I was also a member of the last graduating class from St Katherines School which the Sisters ran on the grounds of Eden Hall for neighborhood children. I have many fond memories of skating on the pond and watching the many animals the Sisters kept on the grounds. After the 7:15 mass in the mornings the Sisters would serve the 2 altar boys a fantastic breakfast in the basement where the kitchens were.. I particularly remember the great smells coming from the kitchens as tthe Sisters prepared all their own baked goods. To have lost Eden Hall and such an historically important Chapel, (one of the oldest Consecrated Chapels in the US) is a disgrace both for the City of Philadelphia who was supposed to have been its steward and for those religious who could have intervened to save the facility and its grounds. It could have been acquired by Nazareth Academy and Holy Family College across the street for needed College expansion. To see what it could have remained, one but needs to drive a few miles up the road to Mother Catherine Drexels Chapel and grounds where extensive renovations and expansions were performed. Eden hall was a missed opportunity by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

So sad to see a part of my childhood and my father's childhood gone forever! My dad worked here during the depression doing odd jobs to get eggs, milk and such to help feed the family. His dad was terminally ill, he being the oldest of 5 siblings, would walk here and help out for food. I spent a good portion of my childhood around Eden Hall as well. ice skating on the pond or playing on the vast grounds surrounding the buildings.

NOTICE THE 2 ANGELS ONE ON EITHER SIDE OF THE END OF THE LARGE OVERHEAD ARCH.

this is absolutely gorgeouss

Patricia, have you and the other women who were fortunate enough to have attended Eden Hall ever thought of starting a blog documenting your memories?

I cannot believe this building was allowed to be vandalised to the point of destruction. Whoever the vagrants were who set it on fire should hang.

Thank you, mr. motts....that seems so inadequate for the relief you have provided us who schooled there and grew in the faith...and miss THE chapel. such an important part of our experience and spiritual growth. you have much more than pictoral success ! p o'h '53

there were tall carved wooden posts along the aisles...each pew. awesome...and gone by the time of this photo. visited the chapel in '89 as a gathering of the class of '69 was being put together...it grew to a gathering of the faithful from eden hall of sooo many classes...at overbrook academy. we wept alot and still miss the wonders of our school...and the wonderful nuns, RSCJ , who taught us. Our Lady's Chapel taught us, also. '53

inspiration unending....

"Lady Chapel" indeed....Our Lady. super special place of meditation.

praise the Lord...this chapel was pivotal in my faith journey. thank you for preserving it in photos. class of '53 and still counting my blessings.

My mother was a student here in the late 1950s. She died at the age of 27, and her yearbook from Eden Hall gave me a glimpse of who she was. I was so fortunate to visit Fleur Park In 2002 and see the chapel myself. It was very moving. What a shame that it could not be preserved. I couldn't find a way into the chapel. Thank you for these beautiful photographs.

he looks super upset ...

i love this set and how allot was still preserved at the time. Its a shame that its all gone.

I was an alter boy who served mass in this chapel many times. The nuns would severe us breakfast in the basement kitchen after mass. I have pictures my mother took of me in my alter boy outfit along with Fr. Graph who said the mass that day. I have memories of the nuns coming in for mass and serving then Holy Communion. This was a glorious chapel, I cried when is was ablaze. I salaveged a slate chalk board from the school as they tore it down, one memento of the school.