The OES visited Saint Joseph’s Chapel on July 30, 2003. The chapel, also known as Mother of Sorrows Chapel, is located near the front of the large Catholic Saint Joseph’s Cemetery between Shadeville and Lockbourne in Franklin County. The cemetery was established in 1912, and the chapel was built in the 1920s. Although the chapel looks small from the outside, it was surprisingly large when we walked into the sanctuary. Upon entering the chapel, we felt like we were transported back in time. The stained-glass windows were beautiful, along with the masonry and carpentry. There was a musty scent in the chapel that combined with the smell of burning candles. There was a small balcony at the rear of the chapel, along with a confessional and a set of restrooms. On either side of the stage were doors that led to a back room used for storage. We believe that a priest may be entombed beneath the chapel’s floor due to a nameplate on the floor. If you decide to check out the chapel, as with any site, please be respectful.
Location Information: Active Place of Worship
Saint Joseph’s Chapel is located off US Route 23, south of Shadeville near Lockbourne; Franklin County.
Photographs
Saint Joseph's cemetery chapel.
A view of the chapel from a large hill in the cemetery.
Another view from atop the nearby grotto.
The walkway to the chapel was lined on either side by an iron rail.
The sanctuary as seen from the entry doors.
Looking down from the balcony was impressive.
The view from the pulpit.
These wood beams came together to support the roof above the stage.
Some of the remarkable stained glass in the chapel.
This was the large stage area where sermons were given and funerals took place.
A closer look at the statue of Jesus on the cross.
Another one of the beautiful stained glass windows.
A statue of Joseph, Jesus' earthly father.
And a statue of Mary, Jesus' mother.
A statue of Jesus and Mary together.
The stained glass window in the balcony showed the two together as well.
The altar on the stage area and some large candles.
The confessional was being used for storage at the time of our visit.
The men's restroom was not very inviting.
Neither was the lady's room.
An embedded cross above an entryway.
The tomb of Rev. John O'Neil, who died on March 12, 1929.
The grotto previously mentioned.
This monument was on top of a large hill.
A closer look at the statues.
We received this photo from a contributor that shows the interior of the chapel circa 1940.
