Oakland Cemetery Chapel restoration complete
Photo by Jessica N. Rex The chapel is beautifully restored to its grace and sacred spirit in the original artwork, including color schemes, stenciling and several other details. In addition, a painting of Sally Metzgar is displayed inside the chapel.
Photo by Phil Gilbert of JP Photography The Oakland Cemetery chapel has been beautifully restored inside and out and was dedicated in memory of Sally Metzgar. Lisa To, project manager for the restoration workgroup, spoke during an open house ceremony, thanking all involved.
Photo by Jessica N. Rex The chapel is beautifully restored to its grace and sacred spirit in the original artwork, including color schemes, stenciling and several other details. In addition, a painting of Sally Metzgar is displayed inside the chapel.
Photo by Phil Gilbert of JP Photography The Oakland Cemetery chapel has been beautifully restored inside and out and was dedicated in memory of Sally Metzgar. Lisa To, project manager for the restoration workgroup, spoke during an open house ceremony, thanking all involved.
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The chapel that has existed on the Oakland Cemetery grounds since 1908 has withstood time and remains in remarkable condition thanks to its foundation as well as a recent restoration project.
During a special open house, a ceremony was held to recognize donors, volunteers and contractors that made the project possible and included approximately 200 visitors to the grounds throughout the day.
The generosity in time and talent stand out in the end product of a historical structure that honors both past and present.
The 2025 Chapel Restoration Workgroup volunteers include Robert Crowley, Marty Meddock, Jenn Signorino, Lisa To, Mary Weiss and Toby Wolfe. They extend their gratitude to the following: Warren County Development Association, Barry and Helena Hicks, Ace Hardware, Hyatt's All Things Creative, Dave Huling, Arlene Molinaro, Peter To, Barb Crowley, and Kathy Metzgar Lang who all had hands in this project as well.
Robert Metzgar, lead donor, aimed to advance the project by honoring the legacy of his wife, Sally; thereby rededicating the chapel as "The Sally Metzgar Memorial Chapel." The restoration was funded by the generosity of the following additional donors: Richard T. Betts Foundation, Dr. Peter and Mrs. Charlene Hoffmann. The stained glass windows were all completely restored and generously donated by Mary Conarro and children, in memory of Harry W. Conarro, Jr.; Juliet Hornburg in memory of Walter E. Hornburg, Jr.; Dan Mead in memory of Will and Carol Mead; and Mary Weiss, in memory of Berglund, Stromdahl and Weiss Families.
The workgroup expresses their gratitude to the following principal contractors for their exceptional skills, dedication and service: John Brown of TSH Stained Glass, Tom Nelson and Charlie Lombardo of Nelson Bros. Lumber and Millwork, Sam Sivak of Wild Wind Chimney Services, Carson Bosko of Bosko Excavating and Services, Jake Abraham of Abraham Masonry, Marshal Horan of Complete Roofing Systems, Roger Davison of DEW Services, John Wester Electrical Contracting, Tyler Sutton, Ellen Paquette, Don Reed, Arthur Anderson, Kristen and Warren Kopenhoffer of Kope Services, Alec Harrison of A+ Painting, Rob Hall and Mark Baran of Affordable 66 Heating and Air Conditioning, Jon Amacher, Phil Gilbert of JP Photography, Kathy Johnson, and Matthew Brewster of Stone and Outdoor Living Center.
The goal of restoration has been to keep the chapel true to its history while also opening new opportunities for the future. The Sally Metzgar Memorial Chapel is a simple yet elegant symbol of our town's identity that only the past can give. The many uses can make the chapel benefit the community and the cemetery, including indoor funeral services, small weddings, educational programs to highlight veterans, various wars and founding members of Warren, as well as many other community uses.