Efforts Under Way To Restore Historic East Austin Chapel

EAST AUSTIN, TX — Efforts are under way to restore a historic chapel near the west entrance of Oakwood Cemetery.

Built in 1914, the chapel was designed in the Gothic Revival architectural style and was originally used as a mortuary chapel, according to officials of Save Austin's Cemeteries. The group is currently working with Heimsath Architects to develop a feasibility study to identify the best methods of achieving the building's restoration, according to officials.

The work involves not only the physical restoration of the edifice but programming for the future community uses of the space and the launching of a capital campaign to raise funds for the project.

The restoration of the building is made more significant given its location at the Oakwood, the oldest city cemetery in Austin. The cemetery covers 40 acres set up in a four-quadrant pattern subdivided into smaller grids, according to information the history found on the Save Austin Cemeteries website.

As for the chapel itself, plans for its construction was begun at the turn of the 20th century by Mary E. Mitchell. It was finally completed at a cost of $5,000 and opened to the public in November 2014 for use as a mortuary chapel with several receiving vaults in a tower room, a record vault and a dressing room for attendants. Architect Charles H. Page donated the building design and served as superintended on the construction project at no charge.

Since 1914, the chapel has undergone several remodeling, including one in 1944 under the direction of architect J. Roy White that included the addition of several rooms. The building is currently being used as an office space for a part-time InterCare Corp. employee overseeing cemetery burials and providing maintenance, according to officials.

Both architects who had a hand in major chapel renovations were well-regarded in their trade, Save Austin's Cemeteries officials noted. Page (1876-1957) had an illustrious career spanning 60 years, with his notable projects including the Austin Public Library building now housing the Austin History Center, the Huston-Tillotson College Building, Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch buildings and the Lyndon B. Johnson Library.

In addition to being an architect, White also was a Texas Hill Country artist who worked on architectural restoration projects, including St. David's Episcopal Church, Murchison Junior High School and LBJ's childhood home in Johnson City.

To learn more about the chapel and the work being done to restore it, visit the Save Austin's Cemeteries website by clicking here.

>>> Photos of chapel via Save Austin's Cemeteries website