ARCHITECTURE
The Gothic-designed Belmont Chapel, conceived by George C. Mason & Son Architects, was built by William Gosling in 1886.
Dimensions:
Nave: 34′ long by 21′ wide
Chancel: 16′ long by 11′ wide
Bell Tower/Robing Room:
THE STRUCTURE
No wood is used in any part of the building except for the roof, domes, and staff heads holding the window sashes. The exterior is built of a rich, warm, reddish-brown sandstone from the Carlisle quarries of Springfield, MA. The stone was laid up rock faced and random squared. The porch and bell stage tower is of stone inside and out. The roof is covered with yellow pine and dark blue slate. The trusses, resting on stone corbels are of yellow pine as well. Copper is used for the gutters, leaders, finials, etc.
The floors are formed of brick arches spring between iron beams and leveled up with Neufchâtel asphalt and Portland cement. They are lead in mosaic tiling, the body of one color, dark brown and the wide border of intricate design in many colors. The steps leading to the chancels are rubbed bluestone.
The walls are wainscoted with dark brown and red enameled brick to the height of four feet. Above the wainscot was plastered directly onto the brick and finished with a rough surface known as “carpet floated,” and will be delicately colored a light green. Throughout the chapel building a double wall has been built with an air chamber between, so that no damp air can find its way into the structure.
STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
There are fourteen windows in the chapel building. Five in the Nave, five in the Chancel and four in the Bell Tower. Some of the windows are backed by a yellow protective glass, which makes the effect much darker than would be the case were ordinary plate glass used. The Chancel Windows, created by E.S. Oudinot of Paris, France include the large window behind the alter and the four small square windows on on either side wall of the chancel. E.S. Oudinot is also thought to have designed the window to the immediate right of the chapel nave entrance.
The three Nave Windows, designed by F. Gaudin of Paris, France were made by L.O. Merson of the same city. Made specifically for the chapel they include the window above the front door and the two large windows on either side of the nave. The window to the left of the nave was made by Tiffany and Company. The Bell Tower has four windows, two facing the font of the building and two facing west over the side door.
