The Schuyler County Historical Society owns and manages the site along Route 228 northeast of the Village of Odessa. The Chapel and cemetery join 20 other locations in the county listed on the Register.
“Being the caretakers of this historic property is an honor,” Society Board of Trustees President Barbara Chapman said. “The board, under the leadership of former president Jean Hubsch, had the foresight in late 2021 to take over the Chapel and cemetery from the Chemung County Historical Society. With this National Historic Register designation, our responsibility is affirmed. It’s one we’re very proud of.”
The public is invited to a celebration of the National Register listing on May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Chapel. Speakers will include Schuyler County Historian Dr. Gary Emerson.
The non-denominational Chapel was built by the Lawrence family in 1880 to honor their ancestors and to give their neighbors a place to worship, celebrate and gather as a community. The Lawrences, originally from the New York City area, were significant in local, county and state matters.
The adjacent cemetery was established nearly 50 years before construction started on the stone, Gothic Revival-style Chapel.
“I think it’s just marvelous,” Town of Catharine Historian Carol Fagnan said about the historic designation, confirmed by the National Park Service in late January. State recognition was approved in September by New York Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
“Our early history is so fantastic. The Lawrences were so influential,” Fagnan said. “It’s a great recognition, a great protection and a great addition to the whole history of the Town of Catharine. It makes a place special.”
With the exception of only a handful of years, the Chapel has been used for church services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, musical performances and lectures since the first event there in July 1881.
The Schuyler County Historical Society offers the Chapel for community use from May through October.
“The Lawrence Chapel sits on a serene hill just above the road. Perfectly nestled among the trees, the location is elegant and calming,” Society Executive Director of Museums Heather O’Grady-Evans said. “Newly restored interior walls make the acoustics inside the Chapel perfect for intimate vocal and instrumental concerts, renewal ceremonies and small weddings.
“That the Chapel is now on the state and national registries adds to its mystique and historic charm. Each event held at the Lawrence Chapel becomes part of its rich history.”
The Chapel’s original wooden pews can seat up to 120 guests. The altar pieces are also original, as are the stained-glass windows.
For more information about the Lawrence Chapel and Cemetery, visit the Schuyler County Historical Society’s website at schuylerhistory.org.
