Tagart Memorial Chapel - Alumni Services - McDonogh School

Tagart Memorial Chapel

The chapel was dedicated in 1899 and was named for Samuel H. Tagart, President of the Board of Trustees when the school was founded in 1873. The historic, non-denominational chapel is set atop peaceful Chapel Hill and overlooks the front of campus and the main drive. 

With its marvelous acoustics, large organ, and baby grand piano, the chapel is used as the rehearsal space for Upper School choral ensembles, and as the performance venue for the Concert Choir's annual Winter Holiday Concert. It is also used for Lower School programs, special events, and recitals. 

The chapel houses a 48-bell carillon, one of approximately 180 in North America. Cast and tuned in the Netherlands by the Petit and Fritsen Foundry, which dates back to 1660, the bells chime the Westminster on the hour and at every quarter. Professional carillonneurs play the bells during a free Summer Concert Series.

We are happy to accommodate alumni weddings and memorial services in the chapel based on availability; however, school- and campus-related activities take precedence.

The main level of the chapel can seat 225. The balcony provides additional seating for 40, but visibility is limited. There are 12 pews on each side plus a wooden railing in front of the first row of pews. There is one center aisle and no side aisles. The distance of the center aisle from the door to the bottom of the first step is 40 feet, and the distance from the first step to the altar is 22 feet. The nearest restrooms are located in Elderkin Hall, the Lower School building next to the chapel. There is no air conditioning in the chapel.

RESERVATION INFORMATION

The chapel is available for alumni weddings and memorial services For information on rental fees and availability, please contact Hal Turner at 410-382-1904 or hturner@mcdonogh.org.

Thank you for your interest in McDonogh’s Tagart Memorial Chapel.  

Summer Carillon Concert Series

During the summer, McDonogh hosts a Carillon Concert Series. Guests are invited to picnic on the grounds surrounding Tagart Memorial Chapel or enjoy the free recitals from inside. Tours of the tower are given after each concert. The 2025 schedule will be posted on this page in early June.