The commissioner's office is not responsible for cemeteries or fundraising committees. They must adhere to laws governing their expenditures. However, we have applied to local grants available within the Hardin County community in addition to the private donor fundraising efforts.

We invite volunteers to join the effort for “Rescue Grove Chapel.” We are diligently working to have the chapel considered for inclusion in the state historic registry lists. Our actions are in strict accordance with the guidelines provided by the State of Ohio. Further information is available at https://www.ohiohistory.org/preserving-ohio/national-register-of-historic-places/nomination-submission-process/

We are privileged to have our Co-Chair, Jennifer Ramge, and Committee Member, Sheena Capelle, as volunteers on our committee. Both have extensive experience with similar historic projects and are diligently applying their expertise to this endeavor. We aim to present our application for historic registry consideration in April 2025.

Yes, our committee includes Kathy Hines from the Genealogy Society and another member of the committee serves on the Hardin County Museum Board. 

This task is neither safe nor within the job description of our cemetery staff. The pitch and current condition of the roof necessitates specialized equipment and professionals to ensure safety. The work required to place temporary tarping is also weather permitting. It was decided that since we are only a few months away from installing a new roof, proceeding with this now would be imprudent. 

The structure was initially scheduled for demolition. In November 2024, after the Mausoleum was torn down, it was understood that the chapel held great sentimental value within the community. Subsequent research revealed significant historical information about the chapel's contribution to the community. The demolition decision was halted accordingly.  

We have engaged with several roofing contractors for both expertise, and others for their estimates. We have three roof material types that we are exploring; Metal Roofing that is designed to replicate the slate color and current roof on the chapel; a Synthetic Metal that was used on other historic buildings in our area- also designed to be faux replicas of the current slate; and the last material being the same slate or as close to the original. Due to weather, the pitch of the roof and the condition- all the estimates were spaced apart. However, the current selection of metal roofing has proven to be the most cost effective and efficient given all the variables and more described. Our committee includes members with extensive knowledge of roof replacement and the associated processes. The initial estimate also includes budget to account for potential issues that might be encountered with the underlying structure beneath the slate once the replacement project begins. It has been confirmed that the quoting company is providing metal that resembles slate at cost, without additional fees, resulting in significant savings compared to the other quotes. This is why we used this estimate and quote for fundraising goal. We are working closely with the state board of historic registration, our expert advisors on the committee team, as well as the valued contractors giving their professional advice to choose the best material to meet the overall goal- total preservation of the chapel.

Our committee has applied for several local grants which we are confident we will secure. Co-Chair Jennifer Ramge is guiding us toward state grants we will apply for in the future.

The community has expressed a strong desire for its preservation, and we are acting in accordance with their requests. Our actions reflect our responsiveness to the community's needs and their willingness to contribute time and donations. This situation highlights the commitment of individuals who understand the significance of preserving our history for the benefit of the community. The ultimate objective is to restore the chapel to its functional state. However, given the considerable time, financial resources, and dedication required to achieve this, we must proceed in phases.

According to our researchers, we have found it was non-denominational.

All members of the Hardin County Ministerial Association were informed about the Chapel via email, which included a shared video. One minister and his spouse generously contributed a personal donation of $1,000. While it is our hope that the ministers will disseminate this information to their congregations, the decision ultimately rests with them. It is important to note that the chapel is constructed within and is under the ownership of the Grove Cemetery organization. 

We only know what we have been told and what our researchers have found. Our researchers have Obits for funerals, and we have heard stories of people being married in the Chapel.  Information is still being collected. 

Every board has the responsibility to appropriately manage their finances. Cemeteries often face challenges in allocating limited funds effectively. Generally, community members prioritize maintaining the grounds over capital improvements. Historically, capital improvements in cemeteries have been funded through specific levies. However, the community has expressed a preference against additional levies. The use of the Chapel for services declined significantly and ceased altogether in the 1940s. During this period, funeral homes and private churches became the standard venues for such services. The cemetery board then used the building for its then needed use- as storage. The chapel had reached its full life of use in terms of being used as an asset for income producing services for the cemetery at that time; as it was not being used as originally intended, the requirement for upkeep or priority of the funds designated for upkeep dwindled through the years. This is very common for these types of buildings. The history becomes lost as those who were most familiar with it pass away- and it takes a younger generation to research it and willingness to restore or put it back into use. This is the story for all building or structures you will find on historic registries. The Chapel had one heating source that became obsolete, and in order to use the Chapel for services again after it is restored- it is important to remember this factor. The chapel will need to have that source restored or transportable supplemental heat provided to avoid updating the building beyond its historic integrity.

We are committed to preserving and restoring the chapel to its original state as much as possible with the funds we raise. However, we must address the chapel’s most critical needs in phases, starting with ensuring the structure is safe and dry and any major component contributing to those two more urgent needs.

The community outpouring of it wanting the chapel to be saved, witnessing the loss of other historic or important structures within our area; and then coming to the realization of the historical significance the chapel holds within our heritage. 

We are working on providing this information regarding this question. There was a cost, but the timing and amount are unclear. However, there was an associated charge.

The building was constructed in 1896, and the chimney remained intact until a severe thunderstorm caused wind to damage it a few years ago. This type of chimney did not show visible wear from the ground. The chimney pieces are now in the Chapel, but companies have determined that the stones are not reusable. The falling chimney caused roof damage due to the weight of the materials; otherwise, the slate would have remained until the nails holding it rusted through.

We are in the process of collecting additional estimates for various roof materials to identify the best option- which we currently believe will be the metal designed to resemble the original slate. The quote used for fundraising was based on the metal material being provided at cost, with an added budget for any potential work required during the removal of the existing roof. Once we receive all the materials and comparable bids, we will present the information to the committee and the Cemetery Board for the work to officially rewarded based on all the variables- including cost, labor, additional needs, etc. 

Yes- we have had the interior evaluated and assessed by historic preservation contractors and other general contractors; building assessment completed; the stained-glass windows examined for restoration; the chimney evaluated for restoration or best course of action, masonry, and the roof. At this time, all components have been reviewed from a high level. However, the primary phase and focus is on the roof to ensure it is dry and safe before other necessary work can begin. 

We do not have any reason to believe that the roof and necessary work will not be raised and then completed given the rate and amount raised thus far. The work being designated to be done is at the direction and advisement of professional opinions given to the governing Cemetery Board to complete the necessary work for the chapel restoration. The chapel project is overseen by a special committee designated by the board to help raise funds and get the information needed to complete the roof work and other restoration needs by the Cemetery Board. Our Hardin County Prosecutor has been clear along with the Cemetery Board that legally the Cemetery Board has the final approval. In the event the project cannot be completed, the funds for the special project and their use or return- will be decided by the Cemetery Board.

No- we have several for several different materials to help replicate the original roof as close as possible for the most cost efficient and best price. 

The answers to the questions are provided by volunteers who have limited time, which may result in some communication lapses. Additionally, comments across all forums and social media pages can sometimes be overwhelming. We apologize but are also available via phone or email to answer your question directly if it does not get replied to on other platforms. We strive to use WKTN and the Kenton Times to release verified information. It is important to provide accurate and unified facts about the project as they become available- and the rate of change of information happening at this point in the project is rapid as the project evolves and progresses. Please refer to our designated Facebook Group “Rescue Grove Chapel” or our project website www.GroveCemeterychapel.org for project information, events, and contact details for additional resources or questions.

Quest Federal Credit Union manages and oversees the donations of all the funds. They have also donated over $10,000 as an organization to the project. They provide weekly updates to Ron Rogers, Chair of the project; as well as an update to the cemetery fiscal officer for awareness of the total.