13. Methodist Episcopal Chapel

In 1875, The Danbury Township Methodist Episcopal congregation chose to move from their previous location on Route 163 and build a chapel within the grounds of Lakeside. The congregation was motivated by a desire to become part of the growing Lakeside community. The Lakeside Company, which was promoting construction of cottages and businesses, offered the church an opportunity to grow their church in the heart of the new resort. The Methodist Episcopal congregation sold the Route 163 chapel for $300, and applied the money toward the new wood-framed chapel in Lakeside, which was completed in January of 1876 at a cost of $925.

With more people choosing to make Lakeside a permanent year-round residence, the congregation quickly outgrew the small building.  A 12’ extension was added circa 1892 on the west end of the chapel. The Methodist congregation continued to grow beyond what the Lakeside Chapel could accommodate, and the decision was made to purchase the Good Templar’s building at the corner of Central Ave. and 5th St. (where the Lakeside United Methodist Church stands today).

The Lakeside Chapel then was transformed into the Ladies Aid Society Hall (L.A.S. Hall) in 1900, where it was home to church dinners, Sunday School classes, clubs and other programs. The chapel was sold to the Lakeside Association in 1952 and renamed Fellowship Hall, a place for mixed-use activities throughout Lakeside’s summer season.

By 1968, the 93-year-old building had deteriorated significantly. Spurred by the possibility of the chapel’s razing, a group of community members formed the Lakeside Heritage Club to purchase the historic building from the Lakeside Association with the understanding that it would come a museum.