Historic Wedding Chapel

The Historic Chapel of Wood river - 446 East Lorena Avenue

St. Paul Lutheran was founded in Wood River in 1914 and the 20 members had their first services across the street in the old school building under the leadership of Rev. Dierker from Trinity Lutheran in Alton. Christopher Penning donated the property and it was deeded to the Lutheran assembly for $1.00. Reverend Paul Hansen became pastor and construction began in 1917. In September 1918, the church dedication was postponed until December due to the influenza outbreak that was raging throughout the country. In 1925, St. Paul had 110 members and the Reverend Norman Wolff was the pastor. A new church was built in 1950 at the corner of Third and Beach streets. They are currently located on Vaughn Road From 1959 until 1974, the church was owned by the Latter Day Saints. From 1974 until 1994, Gospel Temple had services at the church. The Wood River Heritage Council purchase the chapel in 1998 after being vacant for a number of years. The Heritage Council restored the chapel to the simple beauty of the early 1900s with the assistance of an Illinois Heritage Grant. The original pews, woodwork, windows, floors, steeple, and bell remain.

The chapel can be reserved for events such as weddings and renewals of wedding vows.