Town Explores Repairs for Historic Chapel of Saint Gabriel the Archangel
The Town of Norwood is taking steps to evaluate and restore the Chapel of Saint Gabriel the Archangel located in Highland Cemetery. The Norwood Historical Commission recently informed the Board of Selectmen that the 80-year-old neo-Gothic mortuary structure is in urgent need of refurbishing, offering to draft formal repair recommendations.
Following a summer inspection, Historical Commission Chairman William A. Gifford reported that the commission discovered “marked physical and aesthetic deterioration.” To tackle the project, the commission proposed a restoration effort modeled after the recent successful reassembling of the Tilton Carillon at Town Hall.
Town Manager John J. Carroll updated selectmen this week, noting that Building Inspector John E. Grover was actively investigating the building’s structural needs. A formal proposal to fund the chapel’s restoration could be placed before the annual town meeting the following spring.
Architectural Significance and National Register Bid-October 21, 1983
Gifford described the non-denominational mortuary chapel as “Norwood’s most outstanding historic and cultural property.” Donated to the town by the Lewis Day family in 1903, the building is an original design by renowned Boston church architect Ralph Adams Cram.
To secure its long-term preservation, the commission initiated steps to enroll the chapel in the National Register of Historic Places. Gifford explained that achieving national register status would heighten local awareness, establish a permanent upkeep plan to encourage greater community use, and significantly improve eligibility for federal, state, and matching preservation grants. Additionally, local fundraising drives were under consideration.
To ensure historical accuracy, Gifford noted that the prominent Boston architectural firm Hoyle, Doran & Berry—successors to Cram’s original architectural practice—had been contacted and expressed strong interest in consulting on the restoration project.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Funeral Services For Henry W. Dean-This Day In Norwood History-January 14, 1923
NORWOOD, Jan 15—The funeral of Henry W. Dean was held at his late home on Dean st, yesterday afternoon. Rev Robert Wood Coe officiated at the services and interment was in Highland Cemetery. Mr. Dean had been a lifelong resident of the town. He died at his home Friday morning of double pneumonia. Dean st…
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Funeral of Ex-Chief of Police Warren E. Rhoads of Norwood Is Largely Attended-This Day in Norwood History- September 30, 1912
MASONS IN CHARGE. NORWOOD, Sept 29—The funeral of Warren Ellis Rhoads, court officer of the District Court of Northern Norfolk, took place this afternoon at the First Universalist Church, in charge of Orient Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of which he was Tyler 46 years. Orient Lodge, A. F. and A. M.; Tiot Lodge…
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Lewis Day Passes Away-This Day In Norwood History-March 3, 1910
Norwood Man Was Formerly a Leather Merchant in Boston—Retired 12 Years Ago. Lewis Day, one of the most respected citizens of Norwood, formerly a Boston leather merchant, died early this evening at his home on Day st, at the age of 74 years and 11 months. He had been practically an invalid for three years…
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Free Mortuary Chapel Erected by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day in a Norwood Cemetery To Be Consecrated Tomorrow-This Day In Norwood History-May 29, 1903
May 29, 1903—Tomorrow morning there will be formally consecrated in Highland Cemetery the mortuary chapel of St Gabriel the Archangel, erected to their parents by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day.
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St Gabriel’s Chapel To Be Consecrated Tomorrow-This Day In Norwood History-May 29, 1903
Highland Cemetery prepares to welcome its very first mortuary chapel. A magnificent gift from Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Day, the newly built Chapel of St. Gabriel the Archangel stands ready for its formal consecration as a beautifully crafted, non-sectarian haven open to all families across the community
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