Pine Orchard Union Chapel Begins Historic Restoration Project

BRANFORD, CT – The Pine Orchard Union Chapel, a seasonal, nondenominational building established in 1897 and listed on the National Register, is beginning a historic restoration effort to bring the structure back to its original glory.

The $700,000 cost is being supported by more than $400,000 in donations from local residents, a $100,000 grant from the State’s Historic Restoration Fund and State Historic Tax Credits, to be purchased by Eversource.

“This is a modern-day barn raising,” Chapel Association president Barbara Colley said. “In the midst of a global pandemic, our community of 400 households is pulling together to ensure that this unique, historic asset is saved. It represents generations of love and community commitment.”

The effort includes more than 30 active volunteers and close to 100 donors.

“The State Historic Preservation Office is inspired by the local efforts to preserve this vital community gathering place for generations to come," Jonathan Kinney, DECD Director of Operations and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer said. "We feel fortunate that the Chapel Association reached out to our office and that our important state programs—the Historic Restoration Fund Grant and The State Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program can provide funding and credits for the restoration.”

Pine Orchard Union Chapel History

"The decision to build a nondenominational chapel in Pine Orchard followed the neighborhood's growth as a resort community. Informal organ and hymn-singing gatherings began in the summer of 1891 at Rock Point Cottage, the home of Joseph P. Beach. Howard T. Moss also assembled local children for weekly Sunday school classes.

By the summer of 1895 several new cottages had been built and services in Pine Orchard included visiting clergymen who led impromptu parlor discussions.

To raise funds for its construction, “neighborhood children collected nearly $7.00 for a chapel fund, some of which was raised by digging and selling clams. The fund was supplemented by $114.19 through a series of parties hosted by Pine Orchard families.” – National Register of Historic Places Nomination

Today, the Chapel operates as a community gathering place where weddings of every denomination (and no religious affiliation) occur, summer arts and crafts camps are held, community tag sales take place, memorial services are hosted, and community parties occur. Every 4th of July since 1897 there has been a 4th of July Parade, led by the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps, in which children in costumes gather on foot, on bike, in wagons and on golf carts and march two blocks to the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club. The building is a rare example of Queen Anne-style church architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Chapel is managed by The Pine Orchard Union Chapel Association, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

About the Restoration Project

The restoration will happen in three phases. Phase 1 includes lifting the building to make repairs and assure code-compliance; restoration of the cupola; restoration of several windows; relocation of mechanicals, and repairs to the skirting. The restoration is being led by a Building Committee made up of Pine Orchard residents with expertise building and restoration.

Groundbreaking set for Oct. 19 is open to the public

The Chapel will host a public outdoor, socially distant groundbreaking Monday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. Expected to attend are First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, Sen. Christine Cohen, Rep. Sean Scanlon, DECD leaders Erin Fink, Mary Dunne and Julie Carmelich, DECD Director of Operations and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Jonathan Kinney, Eversource representative Tom Dorsey, Board Chair Barbara Colley, Building Committee chair Jim Elmasry and Fundraising chair Jen Aniskovich.