SCHUYLER COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Schuyler County Historical Society announced on Wednesday, April 15th that the Lawrence Chapel and Cemetery property in the Town of Catharine has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The newest addition to the Registry is far from alone however, it joins 20 other locations in the Schuyler County listed on the Registry. 

"With this building now being on the national registry, we will have access to special grants through national parks and through state historic parks to help preserve this beautiful chapel for generations to come, so we will be able to not only market as a historical location, we'll also be able to restore it and guarantee that people will have access to it for their intimate weddings for now, for at least another couple hundred years," said Heather O'Grady-Evans, executive director for the Schuyler County Historical Society.

The Registry is the the official list kept by the United States federal government of buildings, districts, objects and more deemed worthy of preservation because of their rich history or artistic value. The Lawrence Chapel was built by the Lawrence family, who were prominent in the foundation of Schuyler County, back in 1880 next to the family cemetery that was built 50 years prior. 

“I think it’s just marvelous,” Town of Catharine Historian Carol Fagnan, adding, “Our early history is so fantastic. The Lawrences were so influential,” Fagnan said. “It’s a great recognition, a great protection and a great addition to the whole history of the Town of Catharine. It makes a place special.”

The first service at the church happened in July 1881, and since then it has been home to services, baptisms, weddings, funerals, performances lectures and more. It's still offered for use by the Historical Society for community use from May through October.

"Being the caretakers of this historic property is an honor," Society Board of Trustees President Barbara Chapman said in a statement, adding, "The board, under the leadership of former president Jean Hubsch, had the foresight in late 2021 to take over the Chapel and cemetery from the Chemung County Historical Society. With this National Historic Register designation, our responsibility is affirmed. It's one we're very proud of."

The public has been invited to celebrate the addition to the Registry on Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chapel, which is located on Route 228. Schuyler County Historian Dr. Gary Emerson will be on hand. 

“That the Chapel is now on the state and national registries adds to its mystique and historic charm. Each event held at the Lawrence Chapel becomes part of its rich history," said O'Grady-Evans. 

The Chapel’s original wooden pews can seat up to 120 guests, and it still has original altar pieces and stained-glass windows. In terms of style, the Chapel was built in the Gothic Revival style. 

If you are interested in booking the Lawrence Chapel, call the Brick Tavern Museum at (607) 535-9741 or visit here for more information.