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Watch Hill Chapel
Timeline
1875 The Watch Hill Chapel Society in the Town of Westerly organized, September 1,1875. By-Laws adopted, 9/4/1875.
1876 Act of the General Assembly establishing the Society, passed February 8, 1876.
1876 Deed of George M. Nash conveying Chapel lot (70 x 120 feet) to the Society July 20, 1876.
1877 Chapel built, in the “English Gothic style,” at a cost of $4,000, and dedicated July 18, 1877. With the initial design perhaps suggested by James L. Howard of Hartford, later a President of the Chapel Society, its architect was George Keller of Hartford. Its initial dimensions were 36 x 60 feet, and its capacity was estimated at 300-400 people.
1882 Additional land (a 10 foot right-of-way) conveyed to the west of the Chapel by deed of Howard Collins and Helen R. Collins.
1887 Enlargement, adding the transept to the southwest corner of the nave, rebuilding the chancel, and creating an estimated capacity of 450. George Keller of Hartford was again the architect.
1902 Second enlargement, extending the transept eastward to create a full south aisle, extending the chancel 25 feet westward and establishing the current dimensions (roughly 90 x 110 feet), with an estimated capacity of 600-750. A second front door and porch were added, and the organ and fixed pews were installed. George Keller again served as architect.
1903 Deed of Edward S. Brewer recorded releasing his rights over the 10 foot parcel earlier conveyed by Collins grant.
1925 Organ rebuilt and enlarged.
1928 Remodeling of the exterior in the Colonial Revival style and replacement of the Gothic steeple with a cupola.
1995 Entrance terrace and plantings installed.
1999 Watch Hill Chapel Prayer Book published.
2008 $1.5 million 3-year Capital Campaign for the Restoration and Mission of the Chapel completed; major restoration undertaken, outreach component established, and endowment replenished.
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