Union Chapel
About
Built as a non-sectarian place of worship in 1870, Union Chapel’s unique octagonal design rises into a soaring open cupola with diamond-pane glass windows. Its excellent acoustics, ethereal airy interior, and seating in the round makes an event in this structure intimate a memorable experience.
Designed in the Stick Style by island resident Samuel Freeman Pratt (1824-1920), Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs is one of the island’s most engaging structures. Mr. Pratt had no known architectural training, yet his work is characterized as having a dynamic and festive style, similar to 16th-century French secular buildings. Of the many architectural styles prevalent in the United States during the Victorian era, the Stick Style was the most expressive of a building’s underlying structure. Decorative wood trim, called stick work, was applied to the exterior to emphasize the basic wood frame structure. Popular between 1860 and 1890 and built predominantly in wood, there are few pure examples of the style remaining.
Union Chapel was built (1870) during a time when summer visitors came to the Vineyard by steamer and flocked to the Methodist camp meetings in the neighboring Camp Ground. Lacking a central chapel, the Oak Bluffs Land and Wharf Co. decided to build a chapel where all forms of theology could be practiced. From the start, Union Chapel has hosted preachers of different denominations from all over the Northeast, each taking the pulpit in turn. To this day, Union Chapel remains a non-denominational place of worship, drawing large crowds for diverse services every summer.
Rental
Weddings
Built as a non-sectarian place of worship in 1870, Union Chapel’s unique octagonal design rises into a soaring open cupola with diamond-pane glass windows. Its excellent acoustics, ethereal airy interior, and seating in the round makes an event in this structure intimate a memorable experience.
A centerpiece in Oak Bluff’s historic gingerbread cottage neighborhood, this Victorian cathedral is a beautiful location for your wedding ceremony. Its unique octagonal design rises into a soaring open cupola with stained glass windows that cast a warm and beautiful light. It has four spacious entrances allowing for fresh air and summer breezes. Built as a non-sectarian place of worship, Union Chapel welcomes all types of ceremonies – civil, religious or interfaith.
Performing Arts
Union Chapel is located at the top of Oak Bluffs’ busy main thoroughfare, Circuit Avenue. This central location affords great walk-in traffic to concerts and events.
The Chapel has a unique octagonal shape and free-standing seating allowing the space to be configured for stage performances or as a theater-in-the-round for dance and musical performances. The Union Chapel has become a point of convergence for thoughtful panel discussions and lectures as well as jazz, opera and dance performances.
This Victorian cathedral, built as a non-sectarian place of worship in 1870, can accommodate as many as 400 guests with floor and balcony seating. It is equipped with stage lighting that can be focused on the small stage or on the central floor. It is also equipped with a house sound system and a Knabe grand piano that once graced the stage of Radio City Music Hall.
Our Technical Director works with performers and promoters to ensure a successful event.
Connect with this landmark
A non-denominational site, Union Chapel hosts weekly religious services, as well as concerts, dance performances, presentations and much more.
Union Chapel is also available to rent for lectures, concerts, theater, film screenings, and performing arts. As a non-denominational church, the Union Chapel is also a beautiful location for memorial services, wedding ceremonies and worship services of any faith.
Oak Bluffs, MA