GAMBIER – The members of the Board of the Friends of the Quarry Chapel announced the successful completion of a fundraising Campaign to mark the 150th anniversary of the Quarry Chapel in Gambier.
The initial campaign goal was exceeded by more than 100 percent, with a final total of $115,770. Tom Hoffmann, President of the Friends of the Quarry Chapel board, said “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, including individuals, families, and foundations, in helping to maintain and preserve this wonderful historic landmark. Now we look forward to having the Chapel serve as a venue for small weddings, concerts, and other gatherings in Knox County.”
The purposes of the Campaign include replacing the bell, repairing and enhancing the grounds, and upgrading the electrical system. Part of the grounds project was to replace the old split rail fence with a handsome new stone pillar and chain fence and the installation of an irrigation system. In addition to these current projects, a Campaign priority was to build an endowment to provide for future maintenance needs. The endowment fund, invested through the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County, now stands at more than $55,000. “We are especially grateful to Sam Barone and the Community Foundation for their guidance and support of this Campaign,” notes Hoffmann.
In 1862, the stone masons constructing Kenyon College built Christ Church at the Quarry as a place to worship. By 1930, most of its congregation had moved away or joined other churches. What is now known as Quarry Chapel was deconsecrated and abandoned. In 1967, College Township assumed ownership of the property and in 1972, the Knox County Historical Society formed the Quarry Chapel Restoration Society to rescue the Chapel from further deterioration. It was during this period that Christ Church at the Quarry was designated as a national historic landmark. Volunteers again stepped in during 1998 to restore the building, making both interior and exterior improvements, and in 2009, the Friends of the Quarry Chapel assumed the financial responsibility for further restoration and maintenance.
