Wade Memorial Chapel

Wade Memorial Chapel, built in memory of Jeptha Wade, founder of The Western Union Telegraph Company and the first president of Lake View Cemetery, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the few interiors left in the world that was totally designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his studios. Wade Memorial Chapel is open daily April 1 - November 19, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Note: Chapel may be closed to the general public for funerals or weddings.

Important things to note:

  • Groups of 12 or more must schedule their visit with Mary Krohmer, Director of Community Outreach at 216-421-2687 or mkrohmer@lakeviewcemetery.com at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • A registration fee of $5.00 per person is required for groups of 12 or more. This fee may be paid in the form of a cash, check or credit card.

Interior Design

The four-ton bronze doors open into a glorious interior with the theme, “The Voyage of Life.”

Wade Chapel’s interior is illuminated by the awe-inspiring stained glass window, The Flight of Souls, by which the consummation of the Divine Promise is depicted. Created in Tiffany’s signature “Favrile” method, where opalescent, iridescent, and translucent pieces of glass are layered to create rich, deep colors, it’s apparent the intended focus of the Chapel is the window. Before being installed, the window won a gold medal during the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris, giving it credibility as an important example of Tiffany’s highly- prized ecclesiastical work.

The mosaic on the west wall of the Chapel symbolizes the prophecy and the law of the Old Testament. The east wall of Wade Chapel symbolizes the fulfillment of the laws of the Prophets through the birth of Christianity. Both 32’ X 8’ mosaic walls, designed by Frederick Wilson, were constructed in the Tiffany Studios in New York and re-assembled in Wade Chapel.

Exterior Design

Local architects, Hubbell and Benes, designed the exterior of Wade Chapel; consisting of a pediment, columns, Ionic capitals and portico, all in the Neo-Classical style.

The chapel is occasionally closed for private funeral services, weddings or special programs.