In my efforts to document the history of Resthaven, aka the Nathan C. House, I have often stumbled upon some truly interesting connections. I treasure each and every bit of information I dig up, but some bits have obstensibly more WOW factor to the world at large than others. One such piece of history is the relationship of Resthaven Chapel to the iconic Tiffany family.
The Nathan C. Aldrich House was purchased in 1892 by Catherine Regina Seabury, a woman with a prominent family history in the Episcopal Church, whose goal was to create a country retreat for women factory workers from Boston. Her brother-in-law, The Rev. Henry A. Parker and his family, came to Mendon from Cambridge on Sundays to provide religious services. In 1899, Rev. Parker's sons designed and built Resthaven Chapel on the grounds from local field stone. The architect was Gurdon Saltonstall Parker, the eldest son, who was a student at Harvard Scientific School. Alas, Gurdon was called back to Harvard for football camp before the chapel could be completed, and so that first year the celebrants held services with only a roof of branches over their heads. Gurdon eventually went on to become an architect in Manhattan, and married Julia DeForest Tiffany, the daughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany. (A special thank you to George Parker for providing the above photo of C.R. Seabury and the Parker family. Gurdon is the young man sitting quite upright in the front row).
The Nathan C. Aldrich House was purchased in 1892 by Catherine Regina Seabury, a woman with a prominent family history in the Episcopal Church, whose goal was to create a country retreat for women factory workers from Boston. Her brother-in-law, The Rev. Henry A. Parker and his family, came to Mendon from Cambridge on Sundays to provide religious services. In 1899, Rev. Parker's sons designed and built Resthaven Chapel on the grounds from local field stone. The architect was Gurdon Saltonstall Parker, the eldest son, who was a student at Harvard Scientific School. Alas, Gurdon was called back to Harvard for football camp before the chapel could be completed, and so that first year the celebrants held services with only a roof of branches over their heads. Gurdon eventually went on to become an architect in Manhattan, and married Julia DeForest Tiffany, the daughter of Louis Comfort Tiffany. (A special thank you to George Parker for providing the above photo of C.R. Seabury and the Parker family. Gurdon is the young man sitting quite upright in the front row).
4 comments:
Colleen the property is awesome! You have done a tremendous job at restoring this grand home. Best of luck with everything.
Thank you, Bill! I hope that you will continue to follow this blog to learn more about the unique history of Resthaven. Upcoming blog topics will include "Dr. Ashkins and his Magnificent Flying Machine", "Scandal in a Quaker Family", "The Red Oktober", "Weddings at Resthaven Chapel", and "The Pet Cemetery". Stay tuned, and thanks again! Colleen
The house is easily one of the prettiest - amd historic - houses in all of Mendon. I live right down the road from you in Blackstone and pass your house daily. I am well known in the Mendon for archeological digs of some of the histopric properties. Many of the local farmers have worked with me. Would love to talk to you some day about the possibility to "hunt" sround your property for some potential finds.
Hi, I am wonder if the resthaven chapel is open reservation. I would love to get married there, it is a very small wedding only with our parents. Do you have any information? Thank you!
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