Lakeside in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Chapel In The Woods

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

Chapel In The Woods Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

1. Chapel In The Woods Marker

Inscription. A peaceful spiritual setting for all Lakesiders.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 30.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 41° 32.318′ N, 82° 45.062′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Walnut Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Maple Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lakeside (a few steps from this marker); Barss Chapel In The Woods (within shouting distance of this marker); South Gate And Pillars (within shouting distance of this marker); Stone School House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lafarge Marblehead Quarry (about 500 feet away); L&M Railroad Station (about 700 feet away); Linga Longa (approx. 0.2 miles away); Epworth Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on

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the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 30. Chapel In The Woods. Then
Chapel in the Woods was a rustic outdoor amphitheater that originally was located at the south end of Central Avenue at Seventh Street. Built in 1940 by the Epworth League of Northeast Ohio and the Ohio Annual Conference of the Methodist Church, the peaceful space seated approximately 1,000 people. Initially, various youth groups were the primary users of this wooded outdoor setting. The first recorded marriage ceremony took place on August 30, 1942, uniting

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

2. Chapel In The Woods Marker

Miss Geraldine Ryan and Mr. Arthur Mink. The wedding was followed by a festive breakfast at Hotel Lakeside.

In 1962, Central Avenue would be extended to reach Lakeside’s campground facilities. Unfortunately, Chapel in the Woods stood in the way of progress. Because the Chapel was so integral to youth programming, the outdoor amphitheater was relocated to its present location near Maple Avenue and the South Gate. The Barss family, who had been visiting Lakeside for more than 100 years, made this possible. Mabel Barss led the Girls School of Mission for more than 20 years. When she passed away, the Barss family donated the funds to move the amphitheater and dedicated the space as the Barss Chapel in Mabel’s memory in 1962.

By the early 1980s, the Chapel was showing its age. In 1986, long-time Lakesider, Methodist Pastor and Lakeside Board Member Les Cunningham passed away. His family took the opportunity to memorialize Les by funding the restoration of the spiritual gem. As Dean of the Reach Out youth camp program, Les’s daughter Carolyn Beears asked the young campers to adopt its restoration as a mission project. With hard work, they completed the project in one week! The Chapel was once again ready to host youth of all ages.

Now
Lakeside’s outdoor chapel remains a spiritual haven for Lakesiders and visitors of all ages and faiths. Two plaques are

Photographed by Craig Doda, August 7, 2025

3. Chapel In The Woods Marker

posted, honoring the Barss family and Les Cunningham to this day. This peace-filled space has hosted hundreds of youth groups, weddings, memorial services and individuals over the years, and will continue to do so for many years to come. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 121 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.