Westside in Holland in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Central Park Chapel
Photographed By J. J. Prats, July 29, 2023
1. Central Park Chapel Marker
It marks Michigan Historic Local Site No. 2118.
Inscription.
Central Park Chapel. . Located on rail and interurban lines linking the west Michigan shore with Chicago and Grand Rapids, Holland has long been a tourist destination. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, vacationers erected summer cottages at Central Park on the shores of Black Lake, present-day Lake Macatawa. Many of them, like the permanent residents, were of Dutch descent and had strong religious beliefs. John R. Stryker hosted services on his porch until 1903 when the Central Park Chapel was built to serve interdenominational religious needs. Dr. John A. Otte, a medical missionary, led the construction of the chapel on land donated by Gerrit Zaalmink. Early services were held in Dutch as well as English. Because of the number of clergy who vacationed here, Central Park was known as “Saint’s Rest.”
Located on rail and interurban lines
linking the west Michigan shore with
Chicago and Grand Rapids, Holland
has long been a tourist destination.
Beginning in the late nineteenth
century, vacationers erected summer
cottages at Central Park on the
shores of Black Lake, present-day
Lake Macatawa. Many of them, like
the permanent residents, were of
Dutch descent and had strong
religious beliefs. John R. Stryker
hosted services on his porch until
1903 when the Central Park Chapel
was built to serve interdenominational religious needs. Dr. John A.
Otte, a medical missionary, led the
construction of the chapel on land
donated by Gerrit Zaalmink. Early
services were held in Dutch as well
as English. Because of the number of
clergy who vacationed here, Central
Park was known as “Saint’s Rest.”
Erected 2003 by Michigan Historical Commission — Michigan Historical Center. Property of the State of Michigan. (Marker Number 2118.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 42° 46.582′ N, 86° 9.579′ W. Marker is in Holland, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is in Westside. Marker is at the intersection of Grove Avenue and Lakeview Drive on Grove Avenue
Click or scan to see this page online
. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 552 Grove Ave, Holland MI 49423, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The sign on the gable reads “Central Park Chapel, Established 1903. Summer Services.”
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
