A Celebration of Forest Lawn’s
Architectural Legacy

Originally designed to fulfill Forest Lawn’s full-service commitment to the community, the Historic Chapel was built in 1911. It’s a breathtaking example of the arts and crafts architecture and art movement. In 1990, the chapel was renovated, bringing it to its original beauty and fine detailing.

Today, it provides an intimate setting for funerals, weddings and special events, with seating for up to 75 people. The Historic Chapel is also well-suited for smaller gatherings.

A Stunning Showcase of Style and Light

The Historic Chapel at Forest Lawn features distinctive style and details, shown to great advantage through the use of natural light. Some of these include:

  • Arts and crafts style tableaus throughout the chapel walls are suggestive of the Tree of Life.
  • Art glass windows are a key element of its classic style and give abundant light throughout.
  • Four angel figures on the transept wall are the highlight of the chapel’s decorative scheme.
  • Bronze door and window frames are set with mosaic inserts of gold and mother of pearl.
  • The frieze of high relief pure gold in the main auditorium can be read entering and leaving the chapel.
  • Chapel’s exterior and front of the receiving vault is made of St. Cloud granite, green tile roofing and interior finish of marble and bronze

Nebraska history preserved

The lower level of the Historic Chapel contains the original crematory – site of Nebraska’s first cremation. It is no longer in use. There are also glass front and granite front niches, along with a columbarium for cremated human remains.

The first funeral at the Historic Chapel was held on September 15, 1914 for A.J. Manderson, a railroad man.