Chapel of St. John-by-the-Lake (Onekama, Michigan)

The chapel was established by the Rev. Dr Francis J. Hall, who first came to Onekama as a summer resident in 1902, when he was Professor of Dogmatic Theology at Western Theological Seminary (later Seabury-Western Theological Seminary). By permission of the first bishop of Western Michigan, Hall first conducted services in the study of his summer home. In 1911, Hall purchased from Marvin Farr. a waterfront lot along Onekama's Main Street. With $502.00 in donations, he engaged A.D. McCormick to construct the chapel according to Hall's own design and specifications. Completed in summer 1912, the total cost of construction, including the pews, came to $709.81. The chapel was consecrated on August 11, 1912, by the Rt. Rev. John N. McCormick, Bishop of Western Michigan with the assistance of Hall, the first priest-in-charge, who in the following year became Professor of Dogmatic Theology at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He remained in charge until 1930. A member of the chapel, Thomas R. Bambas, professor emeritus of art at Central Michigan University, designed the beautiful metalwork in the chapel, including the cross over the altar, altar candlesticks, cruets and a ciborium. ==Leadership==

The following individuals have been priest-in-charge or the chairperson of the chapel committee: • 1912–30: The Rev. Dr. Francis J. Hall • 1935–52: The Rev. Donald V. Carey; rector Grace Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1937–52 • 1957–67: The Rev. Cleon E. Bigler; rector, All Saints Episcopal Church, Western Springs, Illinois, 1928–59 • Betty Johnson • 1984–2002: Chrissie Mathews • 2003–07: Gini Mulligan • 2007–present: The Rev. D. Edward Emenheiser; rector, Grace Episcopal Church, Traverse City, Michigan, 1994-2008 ==References==