History

The Union Chapel in the Grove was founded in 1872 when Methodists organized camp meetings, holding summer worship services in our open grove. The present building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was erected in 1872.

Here is an excerpt from the book by Carrie Cooperider, honoring the 150th anniversary of Union Chapel in the Grove:

“The campground is in a beautiful grove, perfectly adapted to the purpose, within easy reach of the steamboat landing and hotel…and a commodious chapel has been provided in which regular religious services are held…Around the hotel are located elegant cottages…up in the woods is the grove and amphitheater of seats for worship service, and also a chapel…and the most delightful camping grounds, for which tents are furnished for but twelve dollars for the whole period of the camp meeting.” (Brooklyn Review, July 18, 1873.)

Despite renovations, the frame structure remains virtually unaltered. Four memorial windows were installed at the turn of the century, including the altar windows, (stained glass depictions of myrtle, a symbol of “peace and joy,”) which were gifts from Ben and Betty Jones in honor of their parents, Benjamin F. Jones and Mabel S. Jones and Harold S. Thompson and Lenora Thompson.

More recent repairs and improvements are recorded in a Book of Remembrance at the front of the Chapel. When the shingles on the east wall were replaced, the date 1901 was found scrawled on the original clapboard siding. Probably the portico over the main door was added at the same time. 

The Chapel owes its existence to the establishment of a summer resort community and camp meeting which was sponsored by Brooklyn Methodists. Summering clergymen of various denominations took turns conducting services until 1906, when the appointment of resident ministers commenced.

In the 1970’s, ownership of the property and responsibility for its maintenance was transferred to the Chapel’s Board of Trustees.

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