Watch Hill Chapel Updates

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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: 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.

WATCH HILL, RI- Samuel Walker Kellogg, 25, passed away on May 3, 2025, after a long struggle with cancer. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, RI on September 29, 1999, he was the son of Thomas P. Kellogg III and Leslie Ross Kellogg. Sam attended the Moses Brown School in Providence, playing on both its hockey and tennis teams as well as winning the Moses Brown Math Prize. Graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2023 with a BS in Computer Information Systems, Sam was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and hosted a college radio show, highlighting his love of music.

Sam spent most of his summers working for the East Beach Association in Watch Hill, RI, where he and the crew spent almost as much time at Dunkin Donuts and Pick Pockets as they did taking care of the beach. After graduation, Sam was the Director of Technical Projects and Digital Applications at parsonskellogg in Providence, RI. An avid sports fan, Sam loved the Patriots, the Red Sox and rooted for all-things-South Carolina Gamecocks. He loved spending time with his many friends on the water, taking road-trips, skiing and making funny, creative videos. He loved his life, his friends and his family.

Besides his parents, he leaves his siblings, Thomas P. Kellogg IV (Bo) and Elizabeth R. Kellogg (Daisy), his grandmother Jane R. Kellogg, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. We will never forget Sam's infectious laugh, quick wit, beautiful smile and spirit. He is truly loved and adored by all. We are all so much better for having known him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Sam's name to the East Beach Association, dedicated to the care, maintenance and preservation of East Beach (watchhilleba.org/donate).

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 9 from 4 pm -7 pm at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI. A funeral will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 11 am at the Watch Hill Chapel, 5 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, RI. The chapel is unheated; attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. For a live-stream link of the service, and for online condolences, please visit buckler-johnston.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sam Kellogg Funeral Information

Watch Hill Chapel History

Saturday, May 10 at 11 am