{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}

Written & Photographed By Theresa St. John

It's a delightful surprise. I feel as if I've stumbled upon a marvelous secret the moment I step inside the Willard Memorial Chapel, also dubbed the Tiffany Chapel - as everything inside its walls was designed and handcrafted by Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company of New York City.  

When I learn it's the only remaining complete and unaltered interior design by world-renowned stained-glass artist Louis Comfort Tiffany in existence, I’m eager to drive the two-and-a-half hours from Saratoga to see this Finger Lakes historic gem for myself. 

I'm the only one taking the hour-long tour this sunny autumn afternoon, and the guide, Ed Rossman, knows his stuff. "In 1894, to see abstract art in a church was highly unheard-of, if ever. Abstraction didn't make its way into churches very much before 1945," he tells me as we walk down a hallway toward the entrance. I can hear singing and music in the background. It sounds beautiful; I have goosebumps.

 "They’re practicing for a wedding over the weekend. I hope you can hear me; I'll be competing for your attention." Ed smiles in my direction. "The stained glass, the walls, the pews, the mosaic floor tiles - everything but the organ playing at the front of the chapel is Tiffany."

It’s hard to take it all in – I’m not really sure where to look. The architecture is Roman Gothic and Victorian, and the windows are blended-color glass – something Tiffany was known for. I feel like the luckiest girl alive stepping into a piece of art. 

The chapel and adjoining Welch Memorial Building are what remains of the Auburn Theological Seminary, which was established in 1818 as an educational facility that prepared pastors and missionaries. The chapel was built and furnished in a sweet memorial to Dr. Sylvester Willard and his wife by their daughters, between 1892 and 1894. 

The floor’s mosaic tilework “was assembled piece-by-piece,” my guide tells me. I cannot imagine the hours put into this, and my deep sigh reveals my delight, standing where such painstaking artistry occurred.

“Now this,” Ed says sweepingly, pointing to the South wall, where a three-panel window sits above a stunning bronze and mosaic tablet, “is inspired from a painting by the English artist Frederick Shields, titled ‘Christ Sustaining Peter on the Water.’” It depicts every emotion surrounding the biblical story. The gilt memorial plaque is quite impressive, with exquisite details that epitomize Faith, Hope, and Charity. One of Tiffany’s most prominent artisans, J. H. Holzer, signed the completed artwork, which generally did not happen in Tiffany’s designs.  

I'm overwhelmed when I think of the nine-paneled rose window showing religious symbols and biblical figures, his 14 opalescent nave windows, the nine leaded glass chandeliers, gold stenciled oak wood furniture and ceiling, mosaic floors, and elaborate gold stenciled and jeweled pulpit. “Tiffany must have been thrilled to see the chapel completed!” I sputter. Imagine my surprise when I learn he never came to see the building in all its glory. “He built these things in his NYC studio, had them brought here and installed by workers. Tiffany had so many projects going on, all in various stages of design and completion - there were many he didn’t see.” Ummm, what???

We sit for a few minutes in the front pew of this charming interior. The organ’s music fills the space with beauty. I think of the bride and groom, their friends and family watching as she walks down the aisle towards her future. I can’t think of anything more peaceful or endearing. 

“Restoration of the chapel is ongoing,” Ed shares with me. “Years ago, we exposed original decoration and colors in this six-foot wall area by meticulously removing the existing layers of paint.” He explains how they wanted to look for evidence of any stippling, glazes, gilding, washes, or dry brushing that had been hidden over time. The color I see reveals a deep burgundy, and Ed tells me they hope to continue the restoration throughout.

Content as I drive away, picturing the chapel in all seasons. With the winter holidays approaching, it’s easy to imagine it under a blanket of snow, the organ softly playing Silent Night in the background. Peace and calm abound.   

Winter hours may vary. Visit www.willard-chapel.com or call 315-252-0339 for more information.