--- title: About | Watch Hill Chapel | Watch Hill, RI description: The Watch Hill Chapel exists to support Christian worship in Watch Hill and to encourage religious, moral, charitable, educational and social activities that serve the needs of Watch Hill and the greater community. image: https://watchhillchapel.org/hubfs/About%20(Presentation%20(169)).png --- [Skip to content](https://watchhillchapel.org/about#main-content) [![Watch Hill Chapel-Feb6_PPR](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Watch%20Hill%20Chapel-Feb6_PPR.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=Watch%20Hill%20Chapel-Feb6_PPR.jpg "Watch Hill Chapel-Feb6_PPR")](https://www.watchhillchapel.org?hsLang=en) ![Untitled (2)](https://22066198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22066198/Untitled%20(2).png) ![close_24px-1](https://22066198.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/22066198/hubfs/close_24px-1.png?width=14&height=14&name=close_24px-1.png) - [Home](https://watchhillchapel.org) - [About](https://watchhillchapel.org/about) - Worship Show submenu for Worship - [Clergy](https://watchhillchapel.org/clergy) - [Video Archives](https://watchhillchapel.org/video-archives) - [Baptisms](https://watchhillchapel.org/baptisms) - [Music](https://watchhillchapel.org/music) - [Memorials & Funerals](https://watchhillchapel.org/memorials-funerals) - [Worship](https://watchhillchapel.org/worship-information) - [Weddings](https://watchhillchapel.org/weddings) - [Calendar](https://watchhillchapel.org/calendar) - [News](https://watchhillchapel.org/organ-updates) - [Support](https://watchhillchapel.org/chapel-support) - [Contact](https://watchhillchapel.org/contact) - [Home](https://watchhillchapel.org) - [About](https://watchhillchapel.org/about) - Worship Show submenu for Worship - [Clergy](https://watchhillchapel.org/clergy) - [Video Archives](https://watchhillchapel.org/video-archives) - [Baptisms](https://watchhillchapel.org/baptisms) - [Music](https://watchhillchapel.org/music) - [Memorials & Funerals](https://watchhillchapel.org/memorials-funerals) - [Worship](https://watchhillchapel.org/worship-information) - [Weddings](https://watchhillchapel.org/weddings) - [Calendar](https://watchhillchapel.org/calendar) - [News](https://watchhillchapel.org/organ-updates) - [Support](https://watchhillchapel.org/chapel-support) - [Contact](https://watchhillchapel.org/contact) [News & Updates](https://watchhillchapel.org/updates?hsLang=en) About us # Watch Hill Chapel [know more](https://www.hubspot.com/) - [Home](https://www.hubspot.com/) > - About us # Watch Hill Chapel History 1875 - Present ![1875](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel.png) **1875:** Watch Hill Chapel Society in the Town of Westerly was organized on September 1,1875. By-Laws were adopted on September 4, 1875. ![1876](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(1).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(1).png) **1876:** Act of the General Assembly establishing the Society was passed February 8, 1876. George M. Nash deed for the Chapel lot (70 x 120 feet) was conveyed to the Society on July 20, 1876. ![1877](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/WHC%20HISTORIC%20PHOTO%2001.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=WHC%20HISTORIC%20PHOTO%2001.jpg) **1877:** The Chapel, built in the “English Gothic style” at a cost of $4,000, was dedicated on July 18, 1877. The initial design was perhaps suggested by James L. Howard of Hartford, later a President of the Chapel Society. The architect was actually George Keller of Hartford. Its initial dimensions were 36 x 60 feet, with a capacity estimated at 300-400 people. ![1882](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(2).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(2).png) **1882:** Additional land (a 10 foot right-of-way) to the west of the Chapel was conveyed by deed from Howard Collins and Helen R. Collins. ![1887](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201887%20Photo.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=WH%20Chapel%201887%20Photo.jpg) **1887:** The Chapel was enlarged by adding the transept to the southwest corner of the nave and rebuilding the chancel, thus creating an estimated capacity of 450. George Keller of Hartford was again the architect. ![1902](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201902%20Photo.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=WH%20Chapel%201902%20Photo.jpg) **1902:** A second enlargement included extending the transept eastward to create a full south aisle, extending the chancel 25 feet westward and establishing the current dimensions (roughly 90 x 110 feet) with an estimated capacity of 600-750. A second front door and porch were added. The organ and fixed pews were also installed. George Keller again served as architect. ![1903](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(3).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(3).png) **1903:** The deed from Edward S. Brewer was recorded, releasing his rights over the 10 foot parcel earlier conveyed by Collins grant. ![1925](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(4).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(4).png) **1925:** The organ was rebuilt and enlarged.    ![1928](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201928%20Photo.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=WH%20Chapel%201928%20Photo.jpg) **1928:** The Chapel exterior was remodeled in the Colonial Revival style, and the Gothic steeple was replaced with a cupola.  ![1939](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(5).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(5).png) **1939:** Special Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving was held to mourn the losses from the Hurricane of September 21, 1938. The Rev. Remsen B. Ogilby, president of Trinity College, Hartford, presided. ![1942](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(6).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(6).png) **1942:** In light of the Second World War, Watch Hill volunteers formed the Watch Hill Volunteer Defense Committee, which established support activities, including a Casualty Station, which was located in the Chapel Undercroft. ![1945](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/WHC%20Historic%20Interior.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=WHC%20Historic%20Interior.jpg) **1945:** On Tuesday, August 14, 1945, the end of the Second World War was marked by the defeat of Japan, and on Wednesday morning, a Special Service of Thanksgiving was offered at the Chapel. ![1995](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(8).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(8).png) **1995:** Entrance terrace and plantings were installed. ![1999](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(9).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(9).png) **1999:** Watch Hill Chapel Prayer Book was published. ![2008](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(10).png?width=1200&length=1200&name=Welcome%20to%20Watch%20Hill%20Chapel%20(10).png) **​2008:** A $1.5 million, 3-year Capital Campaign for the restoration and mission of the Chapel was completed, allowing a major restoration to be undertaken, an outreach component established, and the endowment replenished. ![2019](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/img-1677_1.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=img-1677_1.jpeg) **2019:** Extensive renovations to the Undercroft included installing two new windows on the west wall and modernizing the entire kitchen and painting area, reconfiguring the restrooms into two ADA compliant restrooms and adding air-conditioning. ![2020](https://23848826.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/23848826/hubfs/unnamed-1_1.jpeg?width=1200&length=1200&name=unnamed-1_1.jpeg) **2020:** Virtual services were added to summer offerings. The Chapel also offered a full season of in-person services following State of Rhode Island mandates for safety regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Changing lives forever ## Over A Century Of Ministry The Watch Hill Chapel has remained central to the life of Watch Hill and the surrounding communities as a cherished part of the lives of those who worship here. Its non-sectarian spirit and purpose give the Chapel a special quality. The Chapel exists to support Christian worship in Watch Hill and to encourage religious, moral, charitable, educational and social activities that serve the spiritual needs of Watch Hill and the greater community.  ![INFORMATION](https://watchhillchapel.org/hubfs/INFORMATION.jpg "INFORMATION") ###### Chapel Mottoes The spirit of the Chapel is well expressed in the mottoes inscribed on its walls and shown below. ***"The Church is Many as the Waves, but One, as the Sea."*** Suggested by the Honorable James Leland Howard, a founder and early President of the Chapel. ***"In Essentials, Unity: **In Non-Essentials, Liberty: **In All Things, Charity."*** Attributed to Petrus Meiderlinus (1592-1651), a Lutheran priest. It reads: In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis lebertas, in utrisque caritas. ###### Watch Hill Chapel History 1875 - Present **1875**   Watch Hill Chapel Society in the Town of Westerly was organized on September 1,1875. By-Laws were adopted on September 4, 1875.   **1876**   Act of the General Assembly establishing the Society was passed February 8, 1876. George M. Nash deed for the Chapel lot (70 x 120 feet) was conveyed to the Society on July 20, 1876.   **![WHC HISTORIC PHOTO 01](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WHC%20HISTORIC%20PHOTO%2001.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=WHC%20HISTORIC%20PHOTO%2001.jpg)** **1877**   The Chapel, built in the “English Gothic style” at a cost of $4,000, was dedicated on July 18, 1877. The initial design was perhaps suggested by James L. Howard of Hartford, later a President of the Chapel Society.  The architect was actually George Keller of Hartford. Its initial dimensions were 36 x 60 feet, with a capacity estimated at 300-400 people.   **1882**   Additional land (a 10 foot right-of-way) to the west of the Chapel was conveyed by deed from Howard Collins and Helen R. Collins.   **![WH Chapel 1887 Photo](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201887%20Photo.jpg?width=250&height=170&name=WH%20Chapel%201887%20Photo.jpg)** **1887**   ​The Chapel was enlarged by adding the transept to the southwest corner of the nave and rebuilding the chancel, thus creating an estimated capacity of 450. George Keller of Hartford was again the architect.   **![WH Chapel 1902 Photo](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201902%20Photo.jpg?width=250&height=158&name=WH%20Chapel%201902%20Photo.jpg)** **1902**   A second enlargement included extending the transept eastward to create a full south aisle, extending the chancel 25 feet westward and establishing the current dimensions (roughly 90 x 110 feet) with an estimated capacity of 600-750. A second front door and porch were added. The organ and fixed pews were also installed. George Keller again served as architect.   ​**1903**   The deed from Edward S. Brewer was recorded, releasing his rights over the 10 foot parcel earlier conveyed by Collins grant. **1925**   The organ was rebuilt and enlarged.     ![WH Chapel 1928 Photo](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WH%20Chapel%201928%20Photo.jpg?width=250&height=156&name=WH%20Chapel%201928%20Photo.jpg)​ **1928**   The Chapel exterior was remodeled in the Colonial Revival style, and the Gothic steeple was replaced with a cupola.    **1939** Special Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving was held to mourn the losses from the Hurricane of September 21, 1938. The Rev. Remsen B. Ogilby, president of Trinity College, Hartford, presided.   **1942** In light of the Second World War, Watch Hill volunteers formed the Watch Hill Volunteer Defense Committee, which established support activities, including a Casualty Station, which was located in the Chapel Undercroft.   ![WHC Historic Interior](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WHC%20Historic%20Interior.jpg?width=250&height=156&name=WHC%20Historic%20Interior.jpg)  **1945 ​**On Tuesday, August 14, 1945, the end of the Second World War was marked by the defeat of Japan, and on Wednesday morning, a Special Service of Thanksgiving was offered at the Chapel.   **1995**   Entrance terrace and plantings were installed.   **1999**   Watch Hill Chapel Prayer Book was published.   **2008**   ​A $1.5 million, 3-year Capital Campaign for the restoration and mission of the Chapel was completed, allowing a major restoration to be undertaken, an outreach component established, and the endowment replenished.   **![img-1677_1](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/img-1677_1.jpeg?width=250&height=187&name=img-1677_1.jpeg)** **2019 **   Extensive renovations to the Undercroft included installing two new windows on the west wall and modernizing the entire kitchen and painting area, reconfiguring the restrooms into two ADA compliant restrooms and adding air-conditioning.   **![unnamed-1_1](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed-1_1.jpeg?width=250&height=199&name=unnamed-1_1.jpeg)** **2020 **   Virtual services were added to summer offerings. The Chapel also offered a full season of in-person services following State of Rhode Island mandates for safety regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.   **2023**   The Watch Hill Chapel Speaker/Music series began.   ![IMG_9117-1](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9117-1.jpg?width=250&height=188&name=IMG_9117-1.jpg) **2024**   Historic Austin organ removed for renovations.  In April 2024 Trustees Beth Bean, Liz Sayre, Grant Simmons, and Music Director, Andrew Howell had an enlightening visit to the Austin Organ Workshop in Hartford to see the Chapel’s 1925 Austin Organ which was in the process of a complete restoration and enhancement. While there, they had a full tour and explanation of every aspect of historic Austin Organ building and repair and got to see various members of the Austin team in action. One of the brand-new sets of pipes (an English Horn-like sounding rank called a Schalmei) was in the process of being voiced, so they were able to play and hear that one live. They also saw the new Solo Trumpet pipes all wrapped up and ready to go, the cleaned and revoiced String pipes, and the brand-new set of Mixture pipes which add shimmer and sparkle to the sound of our instrument. The pedal board (keyboard played by the organist's feet) looked great with its new wiring and beautifully cleaned and repaired keyboards. It was a reassuring visit, and it all turned out beautifully as the new organ was up and running for the first Sunday service on June 23, 2024.   To celebrate the Instrument’s 100th anniversary, June 29th will be designated as  “Austin Organ Celebration Sunday”  - Join us for the Union service and enjoy a special event following refreshments and fellowship on the terrace, around 11:45 am. There will be a brief tutorial by Austin Organ restoration expert Jake Dowgewicz in concert with Andrew Howell’s live demonstration. You do not want to miss this exceptional opportunity to learn about our most magnificent instrument!   ![IMG_3297](https://watchhillchapel.org/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_3297.jpg?width=2856&height=2142&name=IMG_3297.jpg) **2025** The Chapel’s 150th anniversary was celebrated with a joyful season of worship, music, fellowship, and reflection. Highlights included Austin Organ Celebration Sunday on June 29, featuring the restored 1925 Austin Organ, a special July 6 Union service with the Hot Cat Jazz Band, and the annual Hymn Sing on July 27. The season concluded on September 7 with Founders Day Celebration Sunday, a final Union service led by Rev. Canon Meaghan Brower, and a Champagne Brunch in the Chapel undercroft. The gathering included remarks from Beth Bean and Edith Eglin, along with a special presentation honoring Edith’s longtime service to the Chapel. The year also marked the successful restoration of the Chapel’s Austin Organ and an administrative change to a calendar-year fiscal year. *[Click Here for Remarks from Chapel Trustee President Beth Bean](https://vimeo.com/1116770492?share=copy#t=0) [Click Here for Remarks from President Emeritus Edith Eglin ](https://vimeo.com/1116782012?fl=pl&fe=sh)*             ###### The Watch Hill Chapel Society On September 1, 1875, the Watch Hill Chapel Society was organized. The Chapel Society's By-Laws, adopted on September 4, 1875,  provide:  “The object of the Society shall be the erection and maintenance of a Chapel at Watch Hill, and the support of Christian worship therein during the summer months, without any denominational or sectarian distinctions.” The February 8, 1876 Act of the Rhode Island General Assembly, under which the Chapel Society was incorporated, speaks of establishing a corporation “for religious purposes.” ​ For almost 150 years since the establishment of the Chapel Society, its Board of Trustees has interpreted its mission to encompass a broad range of services and outreach to the community, including the use of its Chapel as an important community gathering center and supporting charitable services in the Westerly, RI area.   The Watch Hill Chapel Society is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are ​elected by the members of the Society. Officers are elected by the Trustees. Based on the election held at the WHCS Annual Meeting, the following individuals currently serve on the Board of Trustees:   **Board of Trustees 2026:** Andrew J. Parsons, President H. Jackson Marvel, Treasurer Elisabeth N. Sayre, Clerk **Trustees:** Charlotte M. Brittan Carl A. Contiguglia Paul C. Dewey, Jr. Kevin R. Hoben Patrick A. Lemp Thomas D. Lips Grant G. Simmons Charles S. Whitman III **President Emerita:** Edith Eglin ###### Necrology At each summer’s opening service, we read the names of those from our congregation who have died during the past year. On June 28, 2025 at 10:30 am this year we remember those we have lost in our congregation over the past year.   8-6-25 Olive Tamm   8-17-25 Bradley S. Hvolbeck   2-11-26 Anne Hoare Snowden   3-24-26 Joan McCormick     Many as the Waves, One as the Sea ## Explore Watch Hill Chapel ##### [Baptisms](https://watchhillchapel.org/baptisms?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. ##### [Calendar of Events](https://watchhillchapel.org/calendar?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. ##### [Chapel Support](https://watchhillchapel.org/chapel-support?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. ##### [Music](https://watchhillchapel.org/music?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. ##### [Memorials & Funerals](https://watchhillchapel.org/memorials-funerals?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. ##### [Weddings](https://watchhillchapel.org/weddings?hsLang=en) Please click to learn more. 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