The Lawrence Chapel, sometimes referred to as the Lawrence Memorial Chapel, is located in rural Town of Catharine in southeastern Schuyler County in the Finger Lakes Region. The Gothic Revival-style Chapel and the adjacent Lawrence Family cemetery are located on a .90-acre property on a knoll along New York State Route 228. The Lawrences were one of the founding families of today’s Schuyler County. The Chapel was built under the direction of Jane G. Lawrence Campbell. The family cemetery was established sometime before 1832, the year of the first documented burial. The Chapel cornerstone is dated August 1880, and the first use of the Chapel was in July 1881. The Chapel, never consecrated, was intended for private, family services and public, non-denominational services. Today, the Chapel is used from May through October for public events, such as musical performances, and private events, primarily weddings.
Built of local stone and slate, with suggestions of Gothic architecture, the Chapel and the surrounding majestic trees are hemmed in by a low wall. Wooden pews line the interior, and leaded glass windows with small flowerette designs adorn the walls. A marble plaque, consisting of three tablets, hangs at the front of the space, telling some of the Chapel’s history.
Events
The Chapel is located on State Route 228, about 3.5 miles northeast of Odessa. The Chapel is available for use from May 1 through Oct. 15. Occupancy is limited to 120. A small parking area allows for level access to the Chapel’s door. Event attendees may also park along the roadway. The Chapel has electricity, but very minimal heating and no air conditioning. Many events continue the celebrations at the Fontainebleau Inn, a short walk or drive from the Chapel. Click here for the documents needed to apply to use the Lawrence Chapel and the Guidelines and Conditions for Use.
Contact
For further information, contact Schuyler County Historical Society Trustee Jane Leszyk at lawrencechapelscny@gmail.com.
