SWAMPSCOTT — Deb Bogardus said the town labor of love that saved historic Andrews Chapel from demolition will also renew its use as a wedding and memorial service venue once COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are relaxed.
Dubbed the “lady with the key” for her assistance in helping people use the chapel since 2010, Bogardus played a pivotal role in its revival. Built in 1923 on Swampscott Cemetery’s ground, the chapel has come a long way since Bogardus arranged for a 2001 memorial service inside it to honor her late sister.
“It was full of leaves, dead birds, and the walls were falling down,” she said.
A quick cleanup allowed the service to take place and Bogardus followed up with a visit to the Board of Selectmen to discuss the building’s revival. Her initiative set in motion a fundraising and renovation effort from 2002 to 2010.
Initial efforts to raise restoration money proceeded slowly until $150,000 set aside by Town Meeting was identified as a money source for the building’s exterior work. The money paid for work to replace old stones in the exterior walls and repair the slate roof.
Designed by architect Charles V. Burgess as a non-denominational chapel in the Norman Gothic style, Andrews was dedicated to Isaac H. Andrews, former selectman and town assessor, by his widow. Total price tag: $32,000.
While the restoration work undertaken kept rain, mold, animals and teenagers out of the chapel, much more work remained to be done. Bogardus praised Swampscott residents William and Jane Mosakowski’s generosity for helping provide money for repairs and credited town craftspeople with stepping up to shoulder additional work.
“They all pitched it and did it for nothing or at greatly-reduced rates,” Bogardus said.
Electrician John Barnes rewired the chapel’s rotted electrical system. Stephen Hayes undertook construction work and Robert Dandreo replastered the damaged walls. Window restorer Tom Barber volunteered to recreate the chapel’s stained glass windows.
Lynn furniture maker and restorer Ron Trapasso spent nine months working on the chapel’s dilapidated double doors.
Trapasso also guided town resident and Boy Scout Michael Norcott in restoring 16 of the chapel’s 20 pews. Norcott chose the restoration work as a project requirement for earning Eagle Scout honors.
Local floorer William Bergeron is involved in interior restorations along with Howard Vatcher, who Bogardus said restored the chapel’s original light fixtures.
Other projects include installing a wheelchair ramp, re-stenciling lettering and trim designs.
Assistant Town Administrator for Operations Gino Cresta said Bogardus and other town residents who spurred the chapel restoration drive also serve credit.
“I thought we were going to have to take it down,” he said.
From 2010 until the pandemic hit, weddings and memorial services filled the chapel and Cresta said “a little dusting” is all that is needed to prepare Andrews for a post-COVID reopening.
Once that takes place, Andrews Chapel can be booked with a call to the town cemetery office, (781) 596-8863 a week in advance of the service. Bogardus said future chapel projects include adding bathrooms.
