Hear ye, hear ye! The Chimes turn eighty—and Philadelphia throws open two of its oldest doors.
A Congress of Chimes shall assemble October 16–18, 2026, in the City of Brotherly Love. Sure, LeBron James happens to be in town that weekend—pardon us if we’re a good deal more excited to welcome our own Brother Chimes, family, and friends.
To give you a taste of what’s to come, two of the city’s oldest and most singular private clubs will form the heart of Reunion: the Orpheus Club and the Racquet Club of Philadelphia.
Before you come—two quick things. A handful of experiences below are optional add-ons you’ll choose during registration. And the Saturday banquet has a cash bar: cards and phones are not accepted, so please bring actual cash.
The Orpheus Club
This weekend you’ll find a kindred spirit inside the eclectic, charming clubhouse of the Orpheus Club of Philadelphia—America’s oldest all-male chorus. The clubhouse is rented strictly to members, and only members and their invited guests may venture behind its green door. Fortunately, Brother Chime Judd Van Dervort, #128, is our host. (To protect member privacy, the Orpheus Club strictly prohibits photographing its wall décor.)
The Racquet Club
Our Saturday-evening banquet will be held at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia. Designed in 1906 by Horace Trumbauer, the clubhouse is an architectural masterpiece and a charming monument to the era when Philadelphia rose to become an industrial powerhouse. Today it remains an active athletic and social hub. Centered mainly on squash, it is one of the few clubs worldwide to host competitors in the historic sports of “royal tennis” and “racquets.”
Itinerary
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Early Arrivals Dinner
For those arriving on Thursday, the Pattons have offered to host the Chimes for dinner on the Main Line.
Friday, October 16, 2026
The Golf Course at Glen Mills
This Bobby Weed–designed layout features a formidable slope rating of 141 and is ranked by Golf Digest among the premier public courses in Pennsylvania. A former stop on the PGA Tour Saturday Series and host of a 2006 U.S. Open qualifier, it promises a tour-quality experience.
They don’t sell alcohol, but you’re free to bring your own for the patio or deck after your round; alcohol on the course is prohibited.
Nota bene—golfers will miss the Reading Terminal lunch, owing to travel time.
Reading Terminal Market Lunch Tour
One of the most satisfying, immersive experiences in all of Philadelphia. This repurposed historic train station buzzes with everything the city has to offer—something for the young and the old, the gourmand and the goomba, the connoisseur and the carnivore, the sweet tooth and the savorer, and everyone in between. Fresh produce, confections, sandwiches, soups, pretzels—you name it. Lunch is a pleasure here, and a great place for photo ops. Zach won’t steer you wrong.
Barnes Foundation
Dr. Barnes curated his Main Line home with priceless works by Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, van Gogh, and Modigliani. He dreamed of lifting people out of life’s drudgery by exposing them to beauty—and posthumously that dream is realized, now in a gorgeous modern museum with a fountain, garden, and inviting pathways. Through the goodwill of Brother Chime Judson Van Dervort #128, an experienced docent will accompany you to reveal the collection’s depth and complexity. Rumor has it Chimes artist Kirk Moore #86 may make an appearance.
Welcome Reception
We meet again! This is where the weekend truly begins. The whole gang in one room, behind the Orpheus’s green door: open bar, catered hors d’oeuvres, and the sound of eighty years of Chimes harmonizing again. Don’t miss this.
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Saturday at the Orpheus
The clubhouse is ours again Saturday. Drop in, hang out, sing, peruse Chimes memorabilia, and grab a hoagie, a beer, or a soft drink.
Museum of the American Revolution
Historian David McCullough and filmmaker Ken Burns sing its praises. The MoAR uncovers the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government.
Nota bene—The museum is running its once-a-year Revolutionary Philadelphia living-history experience this day, so while entry time is flexible, we recommend arriving early to take full advantage. You can pop out to head to Independence Hall or lunch, then head back in after.
Singing Workshop
Join Musical Director Stephen Yupa #294 and the Actives to workshop “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Nota bene—to learn ahead of Reunion, you may access sheet music and learning tracks here.
Independence Hall
We hold this truth to be self-evident: you’ve got to see Independence Hall if you come to Philly. From humble beginnings to world power, see where the American dream first took shape—and stand in the same hall as those brave enough to call themselves American.
Nota bene—This reservation was specially secured through the Orpheus Club.
Barnes Foundation Encore
We run it twice on purpose. Prefer a slower Saturday start, or simply want the masters all over again? The Barnes opens to us a second time, with the same expert docent by grace of Judson Van Dervort #128 and the same works by Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, van Gogh, and Modigliani. Rumor has it Chimes artist Kirk Moore #86 might materialize with a sketchbook. Come whichever time suits your weekend.
National Constitution Center
You’ve got the right to see this place. How better to join the debate over our country’s core principles than to visit the source? Examine the primary texts, the place, and the people who forged the Constitution.
Nota bene—group entry required: Please arrive promptly, as the museum requires us to enter the facility together as a single group.
Independence Hall Encore
Two tours, two times—10:30 and 1:10—so Independence Hall slots neatly into your Saturday, whichever way you build it. Visit the room where the improbable became the inevitable, where a handful of stubborn optimists signed their names and meant it. Pick the time that suits you, and please arrive promptly, as there will be a security screening upon entry.
Nota bene—This reservation was specially secured through the Orpheus Club.
Mass at St. Patrick Church
Attend Mass at St. Patrick Church, which has served Rittenhouse’s Catholic Community since 1839.
Banquet at the Racquet Club
After Mass, head to the Racquet Club for cocktails, the group photo, and annual eras concert and banquet.
Nota bene—cash bar: cards and phone payments are not accepted. Please bring actual cash.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Annual Meetings
Incorporation, slow motions, and the long Wazoo.
- GCAA Board Meeting at 10:00 a.m.
- GCAA Annual General Meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Farewell Brunch at Spice Finch
Across the street from the Hyatt. No need to wander far on your way out of town. A sumptuous brunch of Mediterranean flavors: one last table together before the weekend lets go. Give your Brother Chimes a proper farewell.
Note bene—registration covers food, inclusive of its tax, gratuity, and administrative fees. Beverages—and their associated tax and gratuity—will be billed separately on-site.
Before You Go
Hyatt Centric Rittenhouse Square
King Bed room at $269 per night
October 12–21
The site will display the King Bed at $329. A $60 per night credit will automatically be applied to your final bill at checkout, bringing that rate down to the promised $269.
Upgrading? That same $60 nightly credit applies to all room types (High Floor, Corner, City View) and higher occupancies (Trio +$25, Quartet +$50).
Racquet Club of Philadelphia
The Racquet Club’s dress code is smart casual. Smart casual attire is regarded as clothing that is neat, modern office wear, yet relatively informal in style. All children in the clubhouse are expected to be appropriately attired, and children over the age of twelve are required to conform to the dress code. Acceptable attire includes collared shirts, polo shirts, sweaters, blouses, khakis, slacks, jeans (free of holes, fading, and fraying), skirts, dresses, loafers, boat shoes, leather sandals, and Bermuda shorts (permitted only between Memorial Day and Labor Day; shorts must be in good, presentable condition). Additionally, cell phone use is not permitted in public spaces of the clubhouse.
Cards and phones are not accepted, so please bring actual cash.
Guest and child rates available at registration.
Who’s Coming
Join your fellow Chimes and guests.
D. Michael Fackler
James Tier
David Murphy
R. Kirk Moore
Cliffe Laborde, III
Timothy Naughton
John Keane, Jr.
Paul Kelly
Stephen Mohyla, Jr.
Ryan E. Hendricks
Kenneth Metcalfe
Bryan Cleveland
Mark Grannis
Mark Ouweleen
Stephen Sattler
Scooter Laborde
Judson B. Van Dervort Jr.
David Ogburn
Bo Laborde
Saurin Shah
Sean T. O’Brien
Zachary Glaser
Mark Patton
Ryan Ramagosa
Daniel Phillips
Jeffrey Gordon
Steve Alleva
James Helmink
Edward Keels
Samuel Sanders
Alexander Newton
Michael Luckey
Peter Fanone
Bryan Renslo
Matthew Beshke
Aidan Metz
Alex Luque
