Restoration of the
August Belmont Memorial Chapel
OUR MISSION
Over the past fifty years, Belmont Chapel, in Newport, Rhode Island, has fallen into severe disrepair. The Belmont Chapel Foundation was established to restore and preserve the 1886 chapel for future generations. It is the Foundation’s goal to re-purpose the chapel so that it can be enjoyed and utilized by all who wish to visit it in the future.
ABOUT THE CHAPEL
The August Belmont Memorial Chapel has commanded a dominant presence at the
Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island, since its construction in 1886. Commissioned by
Mr. and Mrs. August Belmont, Sr. the chapel is a memorial to their daughter Jane Pauline Belmont who died at the young age of 19. Given as a gift, the chapel’s original purpose was to serve as a site to hold committal services for those being buried at the Island Cemetery.
RECENT UPDATES
Holiday Open House
Please support our final push to complete our Capital Campaign by contributing a gift of $100 or more and help us secure a new match of $35K from two of our very generous donors. Gifts made before December 31st, 2022 will be matched dollar for dollar up to $30k. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and will be greatly appreciated
Text “bchapel” to shortcode number: 44321 and follow the prompts to watch the fund grow or:
Mail a check to
Belmont Chapel Foundation, 30 Warner Street, Newport, RI 02840
Restoration
Phase 1 is complete with the replacement of the slate roof, the repointing of the exterior masonry, the reinforcement and moisture-proofing of the basement, and the installation of electricity.
Phase 2 work is underway with all stained glass windows removed to the Serpentino studios for full restoration, the cleaning and repointing of the interior mortar and replacement of brick work, installation of security systems, repair of wooden doors and finishes, and design and installation of interior lighting. The decorative plaster and paint has been analyzed and reinstallation will be part of this phase.
Phase 3 projects will include restoration of the pews and furnishings including seating, audiovisual systems, and installation of exterior lighting.
Click on the gallery of photos below to see the work in progress on Phase 2 of the restoration.
