In Columbiana, a heavily neglected chapel is now seeing new life. It was something that was originally commissioned by a Civil War general, and now thanks to the Columbiana Historical Society, its original purpose will soon return.

Sometimes old things can be new again.

Such is the case for the original chapel that sits on the grounds of the Columbiana Cemetary. A project originally requested by Civil War Brigadier General, and Columbiana Native, Ephraim Holloway.


"He wanted a simple structure, not much more than a horse barn where the mourners in inclement weather have their final services, says Deborah Firestone-Himes, President of the Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township.

The historic chapel was used from 1890 until 1920 when a new mausoleum was built in the cemetery. From there it was moved a short distance away and served a variety of uses over the 20th Century.

"This kind of just here and went into disrepair. In 2019, the Columbiana Ministerial Association donated money to the city and asked if there was anything we could do," adds Firestone-Himes. 

From there a board was formed to begin the tall task of renovating the chapel. From the outside to the inside, this historic building would require a good deal of skill and detail to match it as close to what it looked like in the early 1900s.

Obviously, there's still work to be done and money to be raised to finish this chapel in the Columbiana Cemetary but it's a far cry from what they started with in 2019.


"The first thing that was done was the new block, they raised it 4 blocks. There were holes, and you would never know because there was an interior wall that was the same wood and they took and filled the area. What you see on the outside is the 1890 wood. The windows were restored, primed, painted, and put back on. The gutters and downspouts are 1900 half-round galvanized," says Firestone Himes. 

The campaign still needs some funding to finish, and if you would like to donate, you can learn more information by following this link: DONATE TO THE FIX THE STICKS CAMPAIGN