We’re honored to be a part of the Brooklyn Centre Historical District and to have two buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The William R. Halley
Victorian Stone Chapel

The Chapel was built for the purpose of having a place for sacred and secular funerals. In addition, a basement receiving vault was provided for holding caskets during harsh winters when hand-dug graves were not possible because of heavily frosted or snow-covered ground. When the large, 4" thick doors are closed, an atmosphere of reverence envelops the entire room and offers a most reassuring, peaceful, and calming comfort for everyone.

Fast Facts

  • Constructed of sandstone before the dedication of the cemetery in 1876

  • Architects were Bruch & Monks

  • Original cost was approximately $3,855

  • 1898 additions included a porté cocheré in the front (east); three leaded glass gothic windows on the north, west, and south walls; an outside covered rear stairway leading to the basement receiving vault; and a new furnace room and coal bin

  • Additions architects were Steffens, Searles & Hirsh and the cost was $2,700

  • The south side medallion is of a bird with outstretched wings, emblematic of the departing spirit

  • The north side medallion is a reproduction of one by Brevet found in the Bere la Chaise Cemetery in Paris enjoining all who pass by to be Silent

  • Is listed as an official City of Cleveland Landmark

  • Is listed on the National Historic Places Register, reference #87000446

Photos courtesy of The Necro Tourist

The Gatehouse (Office)

Every year many visitors admire and ask about our beautiful 19th Century, red brownstone Gatehouse/Office Building. Its massive, castle-like, Romanesque design has become a very recognizable architectural sentinel greeting our many thousands of visitors annually upon their passage between our massive iron entrance gates.

Fast Facts

  • Original office was a small, wooden cottage-style structure located in the southwest corner of the property adjacent to what is now Willowdale Ave

  • By 1895 our need for larger quarters became increasingly apparent

  • Ornamental garden at the split of the entrance roadway was chosen as the site for the new building

  • Construction began in the fall of 1896 and was completed by spring of 1897

  • Architect was Charles W. Hopkinson

  • Brownstone was sourced from the Longmeadow, Massachusetts quarry with a red tile roof

  • Original cost was $17,360

  • Heating system selected was the Pease Hot Air and Steam; heating was supplemented with three fireplaces

  • Masonry Contractor was John Barkley

  • Originally housed both offices and waiting area for relatives of the deceased

  • First floor features a two-story high great room with an inlaid oak wood ceiling, walls of beige roman bricks, and a single high inner working office room, originally with plastered walls, but now paneled with an acoustical drop ceiling

  • Three entrances off the triple-sided porch have now been reduced to the one facing west

  • On some occasions, a trumpeter would stand on the floor of the outside tower and play the trumpet (e.g.: On Memorial Day, Taps was played)

  • Is listed as an official City of Cleveland Landmark

  • Is listed on the National Historic Places Register, reference #87000445

Photo courtesy of Kristin Gardner