1918 - Goddard Chapel - Marion, Illinois
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 37° 44.594 W 088° 55.900
16S E 329807 N 4179083
Quick Description: Historic chapel located in cemetery in Marion, Illinois.
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 6/7/2009 8:43:29 PM
Waymark Code: WM6HXF
Views: 1
Long Description:"The Goddard Chapel was built in 1918. It was a gift to the City of
Marion from Leroy A. Goddard, president of the State Bank of
Chicago. The Goddard Chapel is historically significant for its
unique architectural style in Southern Illinois, and for its
tribute to the founder of the first bank in Williamson County and
two term mayor of Marion, Leroy A. Goddard.
Williamson County's banking industry began, January 1, 1879,
when Leroy A. Goddard opened his private bank in Marion, Illinois
at the age of 25. Goddard had already received prominence at the
age of 23 by being elected mayor of Marion, serving two terms. In
1890, he became president of a bank in Mt. Carmel, Illinois In
1892, Goddard became president of the State Bank of Chicago, and
later Chairman of the Board of Directors. During his leadership in
Illinois banking, Goddard became Grandmaster of Illinois Masons
while living in Chicago. It was at that time, he was approached by
the Marion Women's Club to erect a chapel at the Rose Hill Cemetery
in Marion, Illinois for graveside services. Goddard agreed and
enlisted the services of the prominent Chicago architect John N.
Nyden to design the building in the Neo Gothic style. Goddard used
the Chicago construction firm of Levin Company to construct the
building at a cost of $20,000.
Architecturally, the Goddard Chapel is unique to Southern
Illinois for its exact detailing of the Neo Gothic style. The
exterior has distinct Gothic detailing such as buttresses and
arches with stained glass windows that are easily recognizable. The
interior has the same Gothic qualities primarily found in the
vaulted appearance of the ceiling. The addition of restrooms to the
interior were done inconspicuously and added to the utility of the
Chapel. The Chapel is still in use for graveside services. The
unique details and designs and designs remain in the original form
needing only basic maintenance and preservation.
The building stands as a unique tribute to the founder of the
banking industry in Williamson County and to the rare Neo Gothic
Style in Southern Illinois." - National Register Nomination
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