Sage Chapel, Ithaca

Sage Chapel, located on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, is a historic and architectural gem with deep ties to the university's legacy. Opened in 1875 and named after Henry William Sage, a trustee and benefactor, the chapel serves as a non-denominational space for worship and ceremonies. It also acts as the final resting place for notable figures in Cornell's history, including founders Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, along with their wives.

Designed by Reverend Charles Babcock, Cornell’s first Professor of Architecture, the chapel originally featured a 75-foot tower with a spire and belfry. Over the years, the building has undergone significant changes, including the addition of a north transept in 1903 and a west wing expansion in 1940–41.

The chapel's interior is adorned with exquisite artistic and architectural features. A notable addition in 1898 was the apse, created to house the remains of Henry William Sage and his wife. This space is richly decorated with mosaics designed by artist Ella Condie Lamb and executed by J&R Lamb Studios of New York.

Stained glass windows, including pieces by Tiffany Studios, enhance the chapel's beauty, while a unique memorial window honors three civil rights workers, including Cornell alumnus Michael Schwerner, who were murdered during Freedom Summer.

One of Sage Chapel's standout features is its magnificent Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ, installed during the 1940–41 renovations. This organ, along with the chapel's stunning stained glass and mosaics, creates an inspiring environment for concerts, services, and events. Positioned on Ho Plaza and surrounded by iconic campus landmarks such as Willard Straight Hall and McGraw Tower, Sage Chapel remains a cherished centerpiece of Cornell University, blending history, art, and architecture in a profound way.