Ivie Chapel, Outside

A sign by the road at the chapel reads:

"Ivie Memorial Chapel
Built in 1931 by Alvine E Ivie as a memorial to his daughter Florence Ivie Abbott who died at the age of 27. Designed by Jens Frederick Larson, this late version of an English Perpendicular Gothic church hosts a mosaic tile altar and alabaster lights. The cornerstone of the church contains memorabilia of her life. The chapel was donated to the Episcopal diocese of New Hampshire. It is now overseen by The White Mountain School (formerly St Mary's-in-the-Mountains School) in Bethlehem."

Kind of a sad story. He had this chapel built in memory of his daughter who died of influenza, and gave it to the Episcopal church, who did accept it but never really found a use for it other than a very occasional special service or wedding. So, essentially, this beautiful building has just sat there all this time. Now the adjacent country club has purchased it for the 15 or so acres it sits on. They don't know what they will do with the chapel either, but they're stuck with it now. They've sold all the furnishings, the 10 tuned bells in the tower, and the pews. Walker Pipe Organs got the Aeolean player pipe organ, along with 20-something rolls, and hired George and I to provide extra muscle.


I've been either full time or part time in the pipe organ business since 2002, and one of the cool things about it is exploring some of the most unique architecture around. I must say this is one of the most unique ones I've seen... not just the architecture but the story behind it. Kind of a time capsule, since the building was so seldom used. The ivory keyboards on the organ are like new, other than the usual yellowing... I'm not sure I've ever felt unworn ivory before.