Why We Should Save the Elmhurst Chapel

I had an opportunity yesterday to walk through the Elmhurst Chapel and came away convinced that this beautiful and well-constructed section of the Elmhurst School could become a community treasure and should be exempted from the demolition of the school itself. The interior of the chapel is currently bisected by a sheetrock wall, but if that were removed it could hold up to 450 people (according to sign on the wall). The ceiling itself is a work of art, crafted of wood with high arches (see photos attached). It and the stained glass windows seem in excellent condition. This building would make an great community theater or musical venue and being next to the Glen Manor, could be a key part of a multi-use facility for Portsmouth events - and it has a large parking lot nearby.

I would like to see the Elmhurst Planning Committee/Aquidneck Land Trust conservation proposal put on the November ballot, but after seeing the Chapel I think we would be very short-sighted to demolish it in order to save a few dollars when the rest of school building is torn down. Take a look at the photos here to see why I think this facility is worth saving and eventually restoring as a revenue producing town property.