Indian Hill Cemetery Russell Chapel Reopened!

On Saturday and Sunday June 12th-13th at 11:30 to 2pm there was an open house for people to see the grand opening of the renovated Russell Chapel:

History of the Chapel:

Few are aware that, in 1867, Middletown's Frances Russell donated the Gothic Revival Chapel in memory of her late husband Samuel Russell. Samuel Russell was an American Entrepreneur and Trader who founded Russell & Company in Canton, China. While he was in China, Samuel's first wife Mary died, leaving their sons, George and John Russell. Mary's sister, Frances Osborne, cared for the children for several years until their father's return. When he returned to Middletown, Samuel married Frances. Later, the family increased when Samuel and Frances were blessed with a son, Samuel Wadsworth Russell.

For nearly a century, the Russell Chapel was used for funerals. Constructed of Portland Brownstone and embellished with small brownstone carvings, the Chapel notably houses its original Meneely Bell, forged in Troy, New York in 1868. Its interior is adorned with notable stained glass windows and elegant woodwork begging to be refurbished.

From the present to the past, Indian Hill Cemetery provides families with the most compassionate care at a time when it is needed most. You are very welcome to visit these beautiful grounds and to see the Russell Chapel exterior during daylight hours.

Visit: The Indian Hill Cemetery Website!