Did you know that St Elizabeth’s Memorial Chapel in Tuxedo New York holds a fascinating secret? It wasn’t just a place of worship. It served as the final resting place for members of the prominent Hamilton family. This beautiful chapel nestled in Eagle Valley is a testament to their legacy.
St Elizabeth’s Memorial Chapel is more than just a pretty building. It’s a tribute to Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. She was the daughter of William Pierson Hamilton and Juliet Pierpont Morgan Hamilton. Tragically Elizabeth died during the Spanish influenza pandemic. Her family commissioned this stunning chapel in her memory.
The chapel’s design is pure magic. Architects Trowbridge & Livingston crafted a masterpiece evoking an English country chapel. Granite and slate blend seamlessly. Scottish artist Henry Wynd Young added breathtaking stained glass. The result is an architectural marvel combining 16th and 17th-century styles. This stunning blend transports you to a bygone era. It showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
Imagine the dedication ceremony. Bishop Philip Rhinelander consecrated the chapel sometime before 1923. The air would have been filled with the solemn sounds of hymns. The scent of fresh flowers would have perfumed the space. Mourners would have gathered to honor Elizabeth’s memory. This beautiful setting would have offered solace. But this wasn’t just any chapel. It was also the only privately owned and administered Episcopal church in the New York Diocese for a time.
The chapel’s history is rich with intrigue. It began as an autonomous church using the Episcopal liturgy before joining the Anglican Church in America. The Hamilton family’s 2000-acre estate included the main house Table Rock and the smaller Cotswold. St Elizabeth’s became a place where generations of Hamiltons and Morgans married. Even a Bicentennial service commemorating Alexander Hamilton was held here.
Notable burials here further cement the chapel’s historical significance. Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton rests here. So does Juliet Pierpont Morgan. Her father was the legendary financier J P Morgan. Alexander Morgan Hamilton a philanthropist and civil servant is also buried at St Elizabeth’s. Even Ernest Henry Schelling a renowned pianist and conductor finds his final resting place on these hallowed grounds.
St Elizabeth’s Memorial Chapel is more than just a building. It’s a living memorial. It stands as a testament to faith family and history. It’s a place where the past whispers to the present. It holds untold stories. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in history architecture or the legacy of a remarkable family. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and ponder its fascinating past.