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Forrest Cemetery

Introduction

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Forrest Cemetery is considered one of the most attractive cemeteries in the state. It was established in 1872 and is 40 acres in size. It includes three historic structures erected in 1935: the Ruth Cross Memorial Chapel (also referred to the Forrest Cemetery Chapel), the Comfort Station, and the cemetery gates. They are listed together on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel is an excellent example of Late Gothic Revival architecture, featuring lancet windows and a square tower. Local architect Paul W. Hofferbert designed all three structures (he also designed the nearby Legion Park Bowl). The Works Progress Administration (WPA), one of the federal jobs programs established during the Great Depression, provided the funds and training to build them.

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Forrest Cemetery was established in 1872. The chapel was built in 1935 and is a fine example of Late Gothic Revival architecture.

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Backstory and Context

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Local resident Captain A.L. Woodliff led the effort to establish the cemetery. He bought the original ten acres in 1872 and, with the help of his three sons, removed the trees. Woodliff selected the property far from the town, believing that it was far enough away. Over time, however, the city grew around it. Woodliff served as the cemetery's chairman of the first board of trustees.

In addition to providing funding for constructions projects, the WPA also trained unemployed individuals in skilled trades including masonry and stone cutting. Such was the case when the chapel, comfort station and gate were built. The workers hand cut and polished the sandstone used to build the chapel (the stone was extracted from Lookout Mountain). Hofferbert modeled the chapel's design from a 12th-century English church. It was renovated in 1980. The comfort station was also built using sandstone and originally contained bathrooms but has been used as storage in recent years.

Sources

Bryant, Jennifer & Betz, Melanie."Forrest Cemetery Chapel and Comfort Station." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. September 3, 1992. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/62b573b1-d6ec-4dfc-aae3-d534cee988ef.

"Forrest Cemetery History." Forrest Cemetery. Accessed December 23, 2020. http://forrestcemetery.com/about-us.

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Chris Pruitt, via Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Forrest_Cemetery_Chapel_Oct_2014_1.jpg

Additional Information