Cemeteries In Vernon: The Chapel At Grove Hill

VERNON, CT — This time around, the Vernon Cemetery series looks at what is arguably the most ornate feature of any burial ground in town that also honors a family that's a household name.

It's the chapel at Grove Hill Cemetery.

Vernon Cemetery Superintendent Travis Clark said the chapel was built through a bequest from the estate of E. Stephens Henry (1836-1921), a dry goods mogul and statesman whose family donated the land on which nearby Henry Park stands.

Stephens was the third mayor or Rockville from 1894 to 1895. The chapel was given in honor of his wife, Lucina Henry (1832-1930).

The chapel was completed in 1923. It is made from local stone and was designed in a Medieval French style, Clark said.

Below the bell tower on the front of the building are carved faces that represent three major religions — Martin Luther for Protestantism, St. Peter for Catholicism, and King David for Judaism.

According to local historical documents, Henry was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the 44th treasurer of Connecticut and a state senator.

He was instrumental in chartering the People's Saving Bank in Rockville and was the bank's treasurer from 1870 to 1921.

At this time the chapel is not open for tours, Clark said.

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This is the latest story in a periodic series on interesting spots in Vernon cemeteries.

Other features in this series include:

• The 1789 tablet of David Allis