The Siasconset Union Chapel

In the the nineteenth century, the Ecumenical Movement held that nonsectarian places of worship were not only practical but also contributed to the vitality of seasonal communities. In the spirit of ecumenism, raising funds for building a chapel for all faiths in 'Sconset began in 1875. The effort stalled until a corporation was formed in 1882 "... to build and maintain a Chapel for public worship." Horatio G. Brooks's generous donation of a lot on New Street was soon followed by the choice of Detroit architect Almon Varney, who also donated plans and specifications. Island builder and Sunset Heights developer Charles H. Robinson was awarded the building contract with a bid of $1,500.

In 1883, 'Sconset was expecting 1,200 visitors for the summer season. Early photographs depict the Siasconset Union Chapel's sophisticated design in the midst of unadorned, gabled houses and barns on rutted dirt roads. The Victorian Gothic design with high-peaked roof included exterior elements, details, and trim colors that were removed or changed over time, resulting in a simpler appearance best described now as Carpenter Gothic. Originally, the paneled double door with elegant curved and pointed arch faced north in the bell tower. There were ornamental vergeboards, dark-toned trim boards applied to the perimeter of the main mass and the tower. The interior was, and continues to be, an authentic, unpretentious, and serene space, a spiritual hall easily adapted for secular gatherings. The original plaster walls were painted a soft green, but after years of water damage and costly repairs, decorative pressed-tin panels were applied to the ceilings and walls in 1909. Informal, spindle-backed, painted wooden benches with hinged kneelers and racks for hymnbooks were chosen instead of traditional closed pews.

Until the casino was built in 1900, the chapel trustees welcomed a variety of religious services, weddings, baptisms, and "entertainments," including recitations, readings, tableaux vivants, and concerts, many to raise funds for both the chapel and the casino. In 1886 the chapel was enlarged with a transept at the south elevation. Catholic services began in 1897. This fitting passage from Psalms 133:1 was painted on the wall behind the pulpit in 1902:

Behold how Good and how Pleasant it is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity

In 1918 the clapboards were replaced with shingles and a cross was placed on the chapel tower. In 1922 "the colored people of the village were given permission to use the chapel for services on Sunday evenings." By 1942, the increasing concerns about bulging side walls were addressed by the installation of eight shingled buttresses designed by architect Frederick Parcell Hill.

A columbarium and a meditation garden were created on the southwest comer of the property in 1982. In 1983 the entry in the bell tower was redesigned to face New Street, resulting in the appealing facade with lancet windows composed of geometric stained-glass pieces bordering delicately etched and cut clear glass panes. The chapel continues to provide a gathering place for social and community events and to bring a unique fellowship to the island's community of diverse beliefs.

Union Chapel, 1930s
Postcard
Scan gift of Joan Brown Porter
SC661-12

Siasconset Union Chapel, 1880s
F766

A digital exhibition by the Nantucket Historical Association