Crowell Chapel

Crowell Chapel, 4 Rosedale Avenue, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Crowell Chapel is a charming Gothic Revival memorial chapel located at 4 Rosedale Avenue in the center of Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts. Built in 1903, this architectural gem was commissioned by Susan Crowell as a memorial to her brother, Benjamin Franklin Crowell.

Architecture and Features

The chapel showcases classic Gothic Revival architecture, constructed with rose-granite ashlar stonework that gives it a distinctive and elegant appearance. Inside, visitors are greeted by beautiful oak box-ended pews and a stunning stained glass window created by renowned Boston artist Horace Phipps. The intimate space serves as a textbook example of small-scale restoration projects, with recent masonry grouting and HVAC retrofits carefully designed to control humidity for art concerts and performances.

History and Use

Originally used for funeral services when it was completed, the chapel was generously donated to the town of Manchester in 1904. Since then, it has been adapted for a variety of community uses including weddings, recitals, and readings. The chapel stands as a testament to both family legacy and community spirit, continuing to serve Manchester-By-The-Sea for over a century.

Acoustics and Accessibility

The chapel's Gothic Revival design creates exceptional acoustics that make it particularly well-suited for intimate chamber music performances. The rose-granite walls and carefully proportioned interior space produce warm, resonant sound quality that enhances the listening experience for audiences. Musicians appreciate how the natural reverberation of the stone structure allows even the most delicate musical passages to be heard with clarity and beauty. Like all of the orchestra's performance venues, Crowell Chapel is fully handicap accessible, with wheelchair seating and access available to ensure that all music lovers in the community can enjoy these special performances.

Cultural Significance

Crowell Chapel has become a beloved local landmark and even made an appearance in the acclaimed 2016 film "Manchester by the Sea." Located within Rosedale Cemetery on School Street, the chapel provides an intimate and acoustically pleasing setting perfect for chamber music performances and other cultural events.

Driving Directions

Driving Directions from the South to Crowell Chapel

Destination: 4 Rosedale Avenue, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 01944

From Boston Area (I-95/Route 1 North):

  1. Take I-95 North for approximately 25-30 miles
  2. Take Exit 15 for Route 128 North toward Gloucester/Peabody
  3. Follow Route 128 North for about 10 miles
  4. Take Exit 15 for School Street toward Manchester-By-The-Sea
  5. Turn right onto School Street (east)
  6. Follow School Street for approximately 1.5 miles into Manchester-by-the-Sea
  7. Turn right onto Rosedale Avenue
  8. Crowell Chapel will be immediately on your right at 4 Rosedale Avenue

From Route 1 North (Alternative Route):

  1. Take Route 1 North to I-95 North
  2. Follow I-95 North to Route 128 North (Exit 15)
  3. Follow directions above from Route 128 North

From I-93 North:

  1. Take I-93 North to I-95 North/Route 128 North
  2. Follow Route 128 North to Exit 15 (School Street/Manchester-By-The-Sea)
  3. Follow directions above from School Street exit

From Route 127 North (Coastal Route):

  1. Take Route 127 North through Beverly
  2. Continue on Route 127 into Manchester-by-the-Sea
  3. Turn left onto School Street in the center of town
  4. Turn right onto Rosedale Avenue
  5. Chapel will be on your right at 4 Rosedale Avenue

Key Landmarks and Location Details:

  • Crowell Chapel is located in Rosedale Cemetery at the intersection of School Street and Rosedale Avenue
  • The chapel is a Gothic Revival stone structure built in 1904 as a memorial to Benjamin Franklin Crowell
  • Features beautiful stained glass windows designed by Horace Phipps
  • Capacity: Up to 150 people for events

Parking Information:

  • Primary parking: Available on the north side of Rosedale Avenue with vehicles positioned with both wheels on the sidewalk, allowing a proper walking path against the cemetery fence
  • Additional parking: Available on School Street to the first light pole after Crowell Chapel
  • Resident parking areas: Pleasant Street, Pleasant Street Extension, Arbella Street, Lincoln Street & Lincoln Avenue (available 1 hour before to 1 hour after events)
  • High school parking lot may be available depending on day and time of event

Notable Features:

  • The chapel was featured as a filming location in the acclaimed movie "Manchester by the Sea" (2016)
  • Available for rental for weddings, concerts, and other events
  • Managed by Manchester-by-the-Sea Parks and Recreation Department

The chapel is a distinctive stone Gothic Revival building that's easily recognizable once you reach Rosedale Avenue.

Crowell Chapel, 4 Rosedale Avenue, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA