Restoration

Restoration nearing completion

Two Decades

After two decades of formation effort, The Huntingdon Valley Cemetery and Chapel Company (“HVCCC”) was formed to preserve this historic Cemetery and Chapel. The land around the grave sites was improved. The Chapel building repaired, with a modern organ. Its original windows were restored and preserved. Much was done as the structure’s needs had been deferred for more than 20 years. Over $ 1 Million was invested, most donated by Duncan Mathieu McFarland. Other funds came from some who remembered family buried, people who used to worship at the Chapel.

The project, extended a bit by the COVID pandemic, included the following:

New Roof.
Repair and or replacement of soffits.
Restoration and renovation of original windows.
Restoration of, or replacement of, all other windows.
New ADA-compliant bathroom.
Up-graded electrical system.
New kitchen.
New heating and air conditioning system.
Restored bell at new location.
Handicap lift via a new porch entrance (with protective roofing).
New organ and return to former position of console.
Complete painting inside and out.
Small pew reorganization for handicapped access.
Move of and installation of Smith Memorial Garden
Security and sound system.
Landscaping, restoration of drives, cutting of dying trees.
Installation of new old-style lighting lamps along drives.
Restoration of and new lighting on parking lot.
Installation of fence separating Vestry-retained Rectory from Cemetery.
Leveling and cleaning of all tombstones.
Restoration of Cemetery grass and all plantings
Elimination of ancient tree root damage to burial sites.
Bush and border planting long HVCCC borders.

New ADA compliant entrance, exit and bathroom. Bell relocated to new tower

For nearly a century, The Huntingdon Valley Cemetery and Chapel has stood at the intersection of Welsh Road and Washington Lane in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. For years it played an important part in the lives of our families, friends and community. Many relatives and friends have worshipped and been buried there. Sadly, the Cemetery and Chapel have been increasingly neglected for more than 20 years. They needed urgent, critical, significant, repair and restoration. Today, the Chapel is used sparingly for services and has virtually no resources remaining to care for sustaining the building and grounds.

To advance this cause, several families that have worshipped at the Chapel and have family members and friends buried there have come together to purchase, restore, repair and endow the Chapel and Cemetery. The funds given for repair since 2018 should assure they are protected from further neglect and deterioration. We are asking others to join us in this work by contributing to a fund which will have income to pay for annual maintenance of the Cemetery and Chapel building.

There remain original needle point kneelers and other items in the Chapel, some with names no longer well remembered. Many, however, were revered neighbors, still remembered, Chapel organists, worshipers who led fine companies, well respected doctors, lawyers and supporters of local charities and hospitals. The history which follows, describes the origins, growth, membership and evolution of The Huntingdon Valley Cemetery and Chapel. Please join us restoring and maintaining this important legacy.

The Huntingdon Valley Cemetery and Chapel Company (HVCCC), a Pennsylvania tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) company, is committed to preserving this historic Cemetery and its Chapel in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. HVCCC owns the Cemetery and Chapel and will help pay for their annual maintenance and care while these properties are leased back to St. John’s for 99 years. The Trustees listed have given funds and are soliciting gifts for this effort. This website was created to archive and provide historical information, as well as to collect donations for the preservation of the now-repaired Cemetery grounds, graves, and of the restored Chapel.

The Huntingdon Valley Cemetery and Chapel Company (HVCCC) is committed to preserving this historic Cemetery and it Chapel in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. This website was created to archive and provide historical information, as well as to collect donations for the preservation of the now-repaired Cemetery grounds, graves, and of the restored Chapel.