4 Rosedale Avenue, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, MA 01944
Crowell Chapel
Crowell Chapel is a Gothic Revival memorial chapel at 4 Rosedale Avenue, in the center of Manchester-by-the-Sea. It was built in 1903 by Susan Crowell as a memorial to her brother, Benjamin Franklin Crowell, and donated to the town the following year.
The chapel is constructed of rose-granite ashlar, with oak box-end pews and a stained-glass window by the Boston artist Horace Phipps. Originally used for funeral services, it has since been adapted for weddings, recitals, readings, and concerts. Recent masonry grouting and HVAC retrofits were carefully designed to maintain humidity for art and concert use — a textbook example of small-scale historic restoration.
The Gothic Revival proportions and rose-granite walls give the room the warm, natural reverberation that intimate chamber music thrives on. The chapel sits within Rosedale Cemetery on School Street, and made a brief appearance in the 2016 film Manchester by the Sea.
Where to eat nearby
Make It a Special Day: Dining Near the Concert
The Cape Ann Symphony performs at the Manchester‑Essex Regional High School Auditorium (36 Lincoln Street, Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea), with Sunday afternoon concerts beginning at 2:00 PM. Enhance your concert experience by enjoying a meal at one of these nearby restaurants — whether you're looking for a leisurely pre‑concert brunch or a celebratory post‑concert dinner.
Pre‑Concert Brunch Options
Laughing Gull Café (4C Summer Street) is open Sundays from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, making it perfect for a relaxed brunch before the concert. This cozy café specializes in made‑to‑order breakfast and lunch, featuring specialty coffee, espresso, and over 12 varieties of loose‑leaf teas. With its newly renovated space and patio seating, it's an ideal spot to fuel up before an afternoon of beautiful music.
Post‑Concert Dinner Options
After the concert ends around 3:30 PM, you'll have several excellent choices for dinner:
- Cala's (7 Beach Street, Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea) — Open 11:30 AM–9:00 PM on Sundays; popular American restaurant with pizza, full bar, and casual atmosphere.
- 35 Beach (35 Beach Street, Manchester‑by‑the‑Sea) — Open 10:30 AM–8:00 PM on Sundays; upscale modern American and New England dining for a more refined post‑concert meal.
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):
- Take I-95 North for approximately 25-30 miles
- Take Exit 15 for Route 128 North toward Gloucester/Peabody
- Follow Route 128 North for about 10 miles
- Take Exit 15 for School Street toward Manchester-By-The-Sea
- Turn right onto School Street (east)
- Follow School Street for approximately 1.5 miles into Manchester-by-the-Sea
- Turn right onto Rosedale Avenue
- Crowell Chapel will be immediately on your right at 4 Rosedale Avenue
From Route 1 North (Alternative Route):
- Take Route 1 North to I-95 North
- Follow I-95 North to Route 128 North (Exit 15)
- Follow directions above from Route 128 North
From I-93 North:
- Take I-93 North to I-95 North/Route 128 North
- Follow Route 128 North to Exit 15 (School Street/Manchester-By-The-Sea)
- Follow directions above from School Street exit
From Route 127 North (Coastal Route):
- Take Route 127 North through Beverly
- Continue on Route 127 into Manchester-by-the-Sea
- Turn left onto School Street in the center of town
- Turn right onto Rosedale Avenue
- 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.
Every venue, fully accessible.
All five venues have wheelchair seating and step-free access. If you need help planning a visit — companion seating, a specific section, or accessible parking — call the box office at (978) 281-0543 and we'll make arrangements ahead of the concert.
Concerts often sell out, so we recommend reserving your spot early in the season. If you'd like a quieter seat or a particular vantage point, just say so when you call — every seat is unreserved by section, and we're happy to help.
See you in the hall.
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