148 Years Later, Chapel Still Home to Celebration of Life, Love

Naperville's history can be seen in buildings throughout the city and downtown area, but one building in particular continues to write new stories and stand the test of time.

What is now known as Century Memorial Chapel was built in Naperville in 1864 and has a history of overcoming uncertainty, including during its construction toward the end of the Civil War.

“The country was in turmoil and this congregation built this church in the face of adversity,” said marketing representative Donna DeFalco. “And that’s what I think is so special about this church.”

That wasn’t the first time the chapel would face difficulties. Before it became the first building to be moved into Naper Settlement, the church had to be moved across town. However, the building almost didn’t make the journey to begin with.

Originally called St. John’s Episcoal Church, the Gothic Revival style structure was located at Jefferson and Ellsworth Streets, but due to a growing congregation a new church was built at the corner of Oswego Road and Church Street.

It was at this point in time when the future of the church seemed uncertain. A developer purchased the old church as well as the property with plans to build office buildings. He offered the church to anyone who could move it for $1. 

Realizing how important the church was to Naperville’s history, the Naperville Heritage Society was founded in 1969, in part, to keep the building.

“And this was their rallying cry, to save St. John’s Episcopal Church,” DeFalco said.

The society eventually raised enough money through both cash and in-kind donations to move the church in 1970. But moving it was no easy task. The church had to be divided into three sections and carefully hauled across town.

Remarkably, all of the church’s original stained glass windows remained intact during the move and can still be seen on the chapel today. 

“One of the founders of the heritage society, she was a charter member, she said they were crying when the church moved down the street because it was a culmination of a dream for them to be able to save this historic building,” DeFalco said.

Today, the chapel continues to make history as it is a popular destination for tourists, curious onlookers and brides-to-be. Roughly 150 weddings are held at the chapel every year. In fact, two took place just last weekend.

DeFalco said it’s an attractive location for weddings due to its centralized location in downtown Naperville and flexibility for wedding parties. The alter was deconsecrated, so the chapel is non-denominational allowing for couples to be creative with their ceremonies.  

“Really this is the palate, this is the blank slate for you to create your own special ceremony,” DeFalco said. “Even though it’s a beautiful blank slate.”

The surrounding Naper Settlement grounds also appeal to brides because they provide a great backdrop for photographs. If couples are thinking about utilizing the chapel for their wedding, DeFalco said it's best to plan ahead as Naper Settlement is currently booking to 2013.  

“Our brides who book here are very organized and they are planning well in advance to get the prime dates and the prime time, which is 3 p.m. to 5 p.m,” she said. 

With a rich and unique history, there's no doubt the chapel will be telling its story along with creating new ones for years to come. 

“I’m so proud of the Naperville Heritage Society founding members who had the foresight to save the church,” DeFalco said. “And to have it be the first building that was part of Naper Settlement, they had a vision of the future and they were in the vanguard of historic preservation at that time.” 

For more information on Naper Settlement, visit www.napersettlement.com. For information on booking weddings, contact weddings@naperville.il.us