Hotchkiss Chapel
Historic Elegance and Indoor Serenity
Designed by Eames and Young and completed in 1909, Hotchkiss Chapel is named in honor of Bellefontaine’s first Superintendent and landscape designer, Almerin Hotchkiss. This elegant Greek Revival chapel was completely restored and expanded in 2009 with a climate-controlled columbarium for cremated remains, offering a peaceful, indoor sanctuary for eternal remembrance.
What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is a dedicated structure built to house urns containing cremated remains. It offers a final resting place to memorialize a loved one, providing a cherished, permanent alternative to keeping remains at home.
Permanent Remembrance
A columbarium ensures future generations have an accessible, specific place to pay their respects and connect with your heritage.
Structured Placement
Urns holding cremated remains are placed into individual compartments, known as niches.
A Place to Visit
Serves as a permanent memorial, keeping your family history actively alive and accessible for those who visit.
Two Options
Bellefontaine offers the indoor, historic Hotchkiss Chapel Columbarium and the outdoor Lakeside Columbarium in Wildwood Valley Gardens.
A Tranquil Place to Visit and Reflect
The entire Hotchkiss Chapel building, from its entrance to the Columbarium room, is designed as a sanctuary for quiet visitation. Its intimate, light-filled space is set on the bluffs along the Mississippi River, surrounded by rolling hills and mature trees.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The Chapel’s setting provides a serene gathering place with an atmosphere of historic elegance.
- Climate-Controlled Comfort: The entire interior, including the niche walls, offers year-round comfort for visitors, regardless of the season or weather.
- Renovated Interior: The facility is continually maintained, including a recent renovation to the historic floor, ensuring the preservation of its timeless beauty.
- Seamless Access: Families and friends can attend a service in the main chapel and easily transition to the peaceful, private columbarium room for reflection.
A Venue for Life's Events and Booking
The Hotchkiss Chapel is a unique and sought-after venue, offering a beautiful setting for a wide range of services and events. Our team is available to help plan every detail of your occasion:
Memorial & Funeral Services
The Chapel is frequently used for services before or after an inurnment.
Private Gatherings
The space is perfect for weddings, classes, special events like Sips, Souls, and Strolls receptions, or private dinners.
Concierge Planning
Our staff assists in coordinating all necessary arrangements, including florists, musicians, caterers, and other service providers.
Booking & Reliability
Advance reservations are encouraged. The indoor, climate-controlled location offers guaranteed comfort and accessibility for any event, regardless of the season.
Hotchkiss Chapel Columbarium Niche Pricing
Prices for niches at Hotchkiss Chapel range from $3,500 to $6,000, depending on wood versus glass fronts, and whether for one or two persons. Our staff can assist you in selecting the perfect niche and cremation urns for placement.