Swope Chapel Memorial - Westminster University - Fulton, MO
Posted by: YoSam.
N 38° 50.889 W 091° 57.333
15S E 590634 N 4300444
Bricks from the wall, cornerstone, and lamps from the entrance used to make the memorial...
Waymark Code: WM12RW7
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 07/09/2020
Views: 0
County of Memorial: Callaway County
Location of memorial: Lampkin Dr., Westminster University Campus, Fulton
Memorial erected by: The Fraternities on Campus
Date memorial erected: 1996
"6. Swope Chapel Memorial (1967)
This memorial commemorates the site of the William Chrisman Swope Chapel, a Gothic, red brick cruciform building with buttresses. The chapel, completed in 1919, was demolished in 1967 due to structural difficulties, and Swope Chapel Memorial erected this
site.
The memorial consists of two triangular dark brick columns approximately 6' tall. Each column has a copper roof surmounted by a lamp. A matching brick bench is located the columns with a rose garden beyond. Young trees are planted on the remainder
of the site." ~ NRHP Nomination form
Text on memorial:
Text of Plaque #1:
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM CHRISMAN SWOPE
1878 - 1909
Graduated from Westminster 1900
faithful to every duty, self-sacrificing
and helpful. A loyal officer in his church,
A sincere and devout Christian.
----------
"And by it. Being dead yet speaketh"
Text of Plaque #2:
IN HONOR OF
Mrs. MARGARET CHRISMAN SWOPE
Benefactress of Christian education
Donor of
William Chrisman Swope Memorial Chapel
and
James Chrisman Memorial Organ
-----
"A woman that feareth the Lord.
She shall be praised. x x x x x Let
her own works praise her in the gates."
Text of retained cornerstone:
William Chrisman Swope
Memorial Chapel
erected A. D. 1917-1918.
Interesting info on William Swope: He was the son of wealthy Independence, Missouri businessman Logan O. Swope and his wife Maggie (Chrisman) Swope. In 1909, 3 members of the Swope household mysteriously died. James Moss Hunton, William Chrisman Swope,
and Colonel Thomas Hunton Swope all died, and all three were patients of doctor Bennett Clark Hyde, who was married to the daughter of Logan Swope. Hyde was tried and found guilty of the murder of Thomas Swope after his body was exhumed and evidence of poisoning was noted. Hyde appealed and was released, and a second and third trial resulted
in either a hung jury, or mistrial, accounts vary. Attorney James A. Reed who is also buried in this cemetery prosecuted Hyde.