After more than a hundred years on the steep northern shore of Fourth Lake, St Peter’s By the Lake Summer Chapel has begun its first major restoration project that will secure the soil and provide proper drainage.
Fr. John Bassett, Priest-in-Charge of the chapel, has been talking about the need to “Keep St Peter’s BY the Lake and not IN the Lake” to parishioners and to engineers involved with the project.
Work began on June 16 by Gaetano Construction, removing part of the chapel flooring so that the full extent of the prolonged water damage could be revealed.
Hand-dug trenching, drains, placing larger cement piers and completing other structural repairs will leave the Chapel secure well into the next century.
The Reverend William Mason Cook envisioned a summer chapel on the Fulton Chain, and in 1902 land was given by Dr. William Seward Webb and his wife Eliza (Vanderbilt) Webb to the Episcopal Diocese of Albany with the stipulation that a chapel be built within three years.
The Chapel was built by Adirondack Guide Chris Goodsell, and in 1905 it was consecrated by Bishop Doane.
The property was then fully deeded to the Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany. In 1910 the Chapel was expanded, and in 1912 the Clergy Lodge was built adjacent to the chapel.
The buildings retain their classic Adirondack style with cedar shakes, exposed beams, and remain with neither insulation nor heating system.
The Chapel is much as it was originally with its beautiful old wooden altar and simple decor enhancing the experience for worshippers today.
A large deck allows a wonderful view of Barton Island and the lake.
St Peter’s By the Lake remains open every Sunday for services of Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. with refreshments served following each of the worship services.
Clergy from the Episcopal Diocese of Albany serve the Chapel each week, and are able to enjoy the lake with their families.
A full schedule is available on the church’s website at StPetersByTheLakeChapel.com.
There is a new Facebook page loaded with up-to-date photos of the ongoing project.
“I know that these repairs are absolutely necessary, but I really do miss hearing the loons. It will be wonderful when everything is done and it’s quiet enough for them again,” Fr. Bassett said.
