The Nonprofit Riverside Foundation
The Riverside Cemetery Foundation's ongoing mission is to preserve, maintain, embellish, and enhance the historical integrity of the grounds and buildings.
If you would like to be included among Foundation supporters, you are invited to inquire and we will be glad to communicate with you. The Foundation has an IRS 501(c)(3) designation and gifts to the Riverside Cemetery Foundation are tax-deductible as provided by law.
In addition to the maintenance and repairs to the Victorian Chapel, our Foundation can also be used to support other Cemetery needs such as replacement, care, and maintenance of trees, landscaping, and the ongoing restoration of our several miles of roadways.
THE CHALLENGE OF PRESERVING THE VICTORIAN CHAPEL LED TO THE CREATION OF THE RIVERSIDE FOUNDATION
As reported in the History Section regarding the dedication of Riverside Cemetery in 1876, the Victorian Stone Chapel was also dedicated and ready for service. It was used and enjoyed frequently for funeral services for many decades. You have a very special treasure available here for your funeral and/or memorial services.
Our Chapel was built by our founders between August and November of 1876 for the purpose of having an alternative place for funerals.
However, over the span of time since 1876, many funeral traditions changed and services were held less often in the Chapel and more often in Funeral Homes. Due to its not being used, it was boarded up in 1953. As years went by, ageing, weather, and lack of use, the structure gradually deteriorated and became in need of serious repair.
In 1992, it was necessary to decide to either restore this magnificent structure or admit it was going to slip into complete uselessness, and not be available for future generations.
Fortunately, no one wanted this structure to succumb to its inevitable ruin, and in 1992 the Riverside Cemetery Foundation was established initially to restore our treasured Chapel with donations made by many individuals, and also some matching contributions.
Extensive restoration, rebuilding, and replacement of both the interior and exterior began resulting in an appearance that was simply breathtaking, very heartwarming, and nostalgic.
This restoration project has been the collective effort of over 100 persons and businesses. This accomplishment is a tumultuous legacy from all of the thoughtful sources of several generations of the historic Brooklyn Centre Community and its oldest entity, Riverside Cemetery.
CHAPEL RE-CONSECRATION
AND RE-DEDICATION
With the project completed it was time for a formal rebirth of the Chapel. A service of Re-dedication and Re-consecration for the restored Cemetery Chapel was held on June 6, 1999 with over 115 persons attending on that beautiful, sunny day. We were fortunate to have several participating clergy:
Rev. Robert Prichard, Cleveland Freewill Baptist Church; Rev. Neil Wilds, Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist Church; Rev. Robert Andrew, St. Philip the Apostle Episcopal Church; Rev. Donald Wilson, Olmsted Community Church; and Rev. David Fallon, La Sagrada Familia Catholic Church. Gifts of Music were given by the Cleveland Freewill Baptist Church and our General Manager and his wife, William R. and Marijane Halley.
A bagpipe introit of "Amazing Grace" was played by Mr. Don Willis while he completely circled the building. Following the Call to Worship, the opening hymn, "The Church's One Foundation", was accompanied by Jack McKee, our Chapel organist, and his son Scott on trumpet.
Our General Manager Bill Halley gave a historical overview of the Chapel from its 1876 construction through its 1995-1998 restoration. This was followed by two very inspirational quartet numbers sung by Rev. and Mrs. Prichard, their daughter, and son-in-law.
The clergy then stationed themselves in four corners of the room, and Rev. Wilson from the pulpit, lead us in a responsive Consecration liturgy.
Bill Halley concluded this happening with a bass solo, "Bless This House".
Following a reading of scripture passages, the singing of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", and a reassuring Pastoral Prayer, Rev. Wilson delivered a short meditation focusing on Biblical background for consecrating Houses of Worship such as ours. Marijane and Bill Halley concluded with a duet of "How Great Thou Art".
Rev. Fallon then led us in the recitation of The Twenty-Third Psalm, after which we all sang "The Old Rugged Cross".
Rev. Prichard offered the benediction, after which Don Willis presented a Bagpipe response of "Atholl Highlander". He started near the front door and proceeded eastward down Centennial Drive until his sound faded away.
The postlude was again an organ and trumpet duet with Jack and Scott McKee who rendered a stirring version of "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring". A pastry and punch reception followed immediately.
RIVERSIDE CHAPEL, NOW IN ITS THIRD CENTURY OF SERVICE
Our Chapel is available to those wanting a very intimate and sacred place for a funeral or memorial service. When the large four-inch thick front doors are closed, an atmosphere of Divine reverence envelops the entire sanctuary, and offers a most reassuring, peaceful, and calming comfort for everyone. The seating capacity is approximately 85 people.
This is a free-standing, Victorian-era stone chapel, without mausoleum crypts and the echoing sounds from granite and marble walls so common with similar facilities provided at newer cemeteries in more recent decades.
Recorded pipe organ music is played at funeral services without charge. We can also key in and play specific songs from your own CDs which were special to your departed loved one. We have an organist on call who will play our Hammond organ and provide hymns of your choice for a nominal charge. We're confident you will be very pleased and proud, as all of us are, with the warm and comforting atmosphere experienced within this very charming little church.
