With its meandering lanes framed by trees, Lynn’s Pine Grove Cemetery is a restful place of beauty featuring the intricate work of stone carvers and, after a decades-long hiatus, the architectural beauty of Rhodes Chapel’s interior.
The Romanesque Revival building was opened to the public last Sunday for the first time in more than 60 years, attracting hundreds of people who admired its stained glass and angular ceiling design
Pine Grove Cemetery Commission Chairman Arthur Dulong and fellow commissioners said the Sunday’s open house was a chance to introduce to the public to one of Lynn’s architectural gems. The Commission envisions the chapel’s restoration toward potential use as a site for weddings, funerals or other uses.
The restoration would place Rhodes Chapel on par with Andrews Chapel in Swampscott Cemetery and Ellingwood Chapel in Greenlawn Cemetery in Nahant. Ellingwood and Andrews are examples of late-19th and early-20th century architecture and construction with both buildings undergoing restoration in the last 10 years.
The Commission deserves credit for ensuring Rhodes Chapel is recognized and restored to its status as a gem in the city’s architectural treasure trove.
Dulong said that renovating the building will cost roughly $2 million with restoration mapped out in a master plan under preparation by Spencer Preservation Group. Fundraising is contemplated to pay to install electricity and bathrooms in the chapel.
“We can’t just let the history of the city go,” Dulong said in explaining why Rhodes Chapel’s restoration is important.
The Commission ensured his words are appreciated by inviting people to visit and appreciate the chapel. Sunday’s open house is a good first step toward helping Rhodes Chapel’s restoration become reality and toward reinforcing the city’s commitment to preserving Lynn’s architectural heritage.
