New slate roof will soon go on Mount Albion chapel

Photo by Tom Rivers: The chapel at Mount Albion Cemetery, shown last week, will be getting a new Vermont slate roof, as well as other repairs to the building that was constructed in 1875 from Medina Sandstone.

ALBION – The slate has arrived in Albion and work should soon begin on replacing the roof at the Mount Albion chapel.

The building is a focal point of the historic cemetery for people who enter through the main arch off Route 31. The new roof is among several improvements for the structure that was built in 1875.

Local mason Neal Muscarella has already completed some repointing of mortar on the building. A drop ceiling also has been removed that revealed a vaulted ceiling had been covered up.

The new roof will be a comparable Vermont slate. The Albion Village Board in September accepted a bid for $83,985 to remove the existing roof and replace all the Vermont slate. The roofer should be on site this spring to work on the project.

There will be other substantial work to follow including interior replastering of the north wall; electrical upgrades (wiring, outlets, internal and external lighting); heating unit for seasonal use; repair of plaster and vaulted ceiling; removal of old floor, repair subfloor and put in a new floor; and refurbish exterior doors and window trim.

A committee led by Village Historian Sue Starkweather Miller has raised $225,000 for the chapel restoration. That met the initial goal but there are some additional expenses with the vaulted ceiling.

Tax deductible donations for the project can be sent to the Orleans County Historical Association, 3286 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411. For more information, click here.

Once the project is complete, Starkweather Miller said the site will again be able to be used by the public for events.