In Christ King Chapel, nestled within the oldest continually operating seminary in the United States, the faithful have gathered for Mass since the 1800's. The stained-glass windows, Stations of the Cross and a candle for each of the twelve apostles along the walls, and hymns resounding from the pipe organ enfold participants in the liturgical traditions of the Catholic faith. For generations, seminarians preparing for priesthood have gathered here for the Holy Mass, and Heart of the Nation invites you to pray for vocations whenever you join us for Sunday Mass.

Established in 1845 by Father John Martin Henni in his home, the seminary's current campus opened ten years later. Fr. Henni envisioned a bilingual seminary to ordain priests who would serve a burgeoning population of immigrants from Germany.

Brick for the seminary was manufactured on site, using trees to fuel two large kilns. Made from a clay uniquely found around Milwaukee, the Cream City brick was also shipped to Chicago to raise money.

In an unusual field for her time, stained-glass artist Marie Herndl created the six chapel windows depicting scenes from Jesus' life. She won medals for her work at the 1893 and 1904 World's Fairs.

Henni Hall, the main building on campus and home of Christ King Chapel, rises five stories and overlooks Lake Michigan. In Wisconsin's winters before modern heating was installed, icicles sometimes hung from the ceilings in Henni Hall. Shivering seminarians dubbed it the "Crystal Palace."

Father Henni became Milwaukee's first bishop. Father Michael Heiss, the seminary's first rector, became Milwaukee's second archbishop. As procurator (business manager) for the new seminary, Father Joseph Salzmann traveled extensively to raise money and gather books. Along the walls of Christ King Chapel, the headstones of Archbishop Heiss and Father Salzmann are visible on either side of the altar. Fr. Henni is interred at Milwaukee's cathedral.

Celebrating the 125th anniversary of the seminary, alumni had a painting on linen commissioned for the chapel. The painting, which hangs behind the chapel altar, is called, "I Make All Things New" and portrays Christ surrounded by cherubim and the four Gospel evangelists. Red represents suffering and blood, while gold leaf in the tapestry symbolizes eternity.