Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana
Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana is supremely old.
Once the site where Native Americans and pioneers worshiped together, this historic chapel is unbelievable well-kept for its age–and size!
Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana
There’s quite a history here. Way back in pioneer times, before Wayne County was Wayne County, on April 8, 1814, a group of five families made it to this spot all the way from western Pennsylvania.
These nine adults and ten children (one of whom, Susan Spahr, age 6 weeks, had been born along the way), gave thanks to God around a campfire that evening and asked for blessings upon themselves and their new homes.
It wasn’t until 1816 that a log church was built in this spot. It wouldn’t be until 1832 when a brick church would take its place. Then, in 1876, the Italianate Doddridge Chapel was constructed, reusing materials from the previous chapel.
Wayne County Cemetery
Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana
Today, you can walk through this very old Indiana cemetery and hunt for the names of the old pioneers. The Native Americans are buried here as well, just head to the far West end of the cemetery.
Unfortunately, the stone slabs are unreadable.
When we pulled up to Doddridge Chapel we could hear the sounds of singing. Apparently, this church had a late afternoon service or something going on. We didn’t get to peek inside but at least we heard a few nice hymns.
This is quite a cemetery. It was also during the horrible drought so I’m sure it is usually a bit more lush than that! There are many unique headstones with very elegant engravings.
Go There
Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery in Centerville, Indiana
If you like wandering around cemeteries like I do, you will really enjoy this Centerville cemetery. It is big, well-kept, and full of lovely old headstones.
On the National Register of Historic Places, it is certainly something to see!
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Doddridge Chapel and Cemetery
9465 Chapel Road
Centerville, Indiana 47330
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