In Memory of the Pioneers,
Many of whom sleep in this sacred spot and whose arduous have been abundantly rewarded by the wonderful development of this Great City and District this Chapel is erected by members of The Oak Hill Memorial Association
In 1927, sixteen years after the incorporation of Oak Hill Memorial Association, and fifty-seven years after the founding of the Cemetery, Oak Hill Memorial Association put on a successful drive for donations of funds to erect a building to house a chapel and administrative office for Oak Hill Cemetery. The beautiful and well-built structure was placed near the center of the cemetery on the site of the original frame office-building. The old building was moved to the southwest corner of the cemetery at 17th Street and 11th Avenue. Remodeled for the residence of the Superintendent, the work was completed on March 28, 1928. Moving included the installation of sanitary equipment, electric lights, water and gas connections within the house. The office was placed back into the old building from its temporary quarters in the Sevier-Webb Drug Store, across the street from the 19th Street Gate.On January 24, 1928, a contract was awarded to J.F. Holley to construct the new building, for a sum of $23,250.
The cornerstone, lettered and finished through by Woodlawn Monument Company was laid with the appropriate and impressive ceremony by The Grand Masonic Lodge of Alabama, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, J.M. Pearson, Grand Master, presiding, and Bishop Hoyt M. Dobbs, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South orator for the occasion. In keeping with the custom of the time, the cornerstone was built with a compartment designed as a "time capsule" which to this day contains several significant items of the day, including a small map of the cemetery, a copy of the Association's By-Laws, an article about the new building, and several other items. It was expected the building would be ready for occupancy May 1, 1928, but due to inevitable delays in the delivery of materials, the date was pushed back, and the Annual Meeting (initially scheduled for May 8, 1928) was adjourned and rescheduled for June 12. A Bronze plaque was ordered from the Dickie-Grabbler Company of Cleveland, Ohio, and a dedication service was held once the plaque was installed on the building.
Since the original construction of the Pioneer building, there have been three other significant updates made. In 1950, features including the chandeliers were added and finished. In 1974, a museum was installed in the basement, and the inside of the building was appointed with pews and religious items, and the building was re-dedicated as the Pioneer Memorial Chapel. In 1980 the Chapel again underwent an updating, adding new carpet and fresh paint.
As Oak Hill Memorial Association unveils a Master Plan for the restoration of the grounds and the features in the cemetery, as well as a renewed drive to sell remaining lots, it is essential to update the old Building once again to have a pleasing focal point and place to meet potential clients Since the last remodeling, several problems became acute and required immediate attention. There were sections in the roof, windows, and foundation, where water was penetrating the building. The roof flashing was removed, and water barrier was placed to the edge of the roof, all of the windows were re-worked and sealed. A water barrier was also installed in the basement to prevent flooding from heavy rains. Mould was removed, as well as the old carpet.
The walls were re-plastered in the blistered areas and the entire upstairs interior was re-painted. Two rotting and weathered doors were replaced, and Charles Johnson, the owner of South East Concrete, donated his company's labor to polish the original concrete slab floor. Three pews were stripped and refinished, and a beautiful seagrass rug was custom designed and installed by Hiltz Lauber of Homewood. As a final touch of this phase, the The current renovation has made the Building safer and more liveable, but a phase-two of work will be required to replace the leaded windows and to patch, clean, and where appropriate, seal the limestone structure.
