Kids & Family

Landmark White Plains Chapel Needs $600,000 Makeover

Sisters of the Divine Compassion seeking community's help with repairs, renovation project at Chapel of the Divine Compassion.

The landmark Chapel of the Divine Compassion on North Broadway in White Plains is in need of serious repair and the Sisters of the Divine Compassion are reaching out to the community for help.

Built in 1897 by the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, and listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places, time and moisture have taken a toll on the property. The sisters have raised $265,000 to repair and restore the chapel, but the project is expected to cost $600,000.

The Sisters of the Divine Compassion say the chapel has played an important in the lives of many people, serving as a thriving spiritual and cultural center in the heart of White Plains, as well as an oasis for quiet prayer. It is the site of weddings and funerals, religious professions and jubilees, baccalaureates and graduations, First Communions, Christmas pageants and college alumnae reunions, concert series, and Sunday Masses for local residents.

The Chapel crypt, burial site of many of the early sisters and benefactors, is especially in need. Inadequate drainage from the roof and surrounding grounds plus leaks from an internal steam distribution system have created a moist environment for the crypt walls, which has resulted in crumbling conditions.

Overseeing the restoration project are Walter Sedovic, FAIA, CEO/principal and Jill H. Gotthelf, AIA, principal of Walter Sedovic Architects, preservation architects located in Westchester. They are looking to identify and fix the root causes of damage and ensure the building is structurally sound – and true to its historic characteristics.

Through donations, pledges and a private grant of $29,000 from the New York Landmarks Conservancy, the sisters have raised $265,000 for the project. However, they need an estimated $600,000 for the project.

For information on ways of helping the project, contact Sr. Jane Keegan at jkeegan@divinecompassion.org or call 914-798-1286.  


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