Wheeler Memorial Chapel is a classic, late 19th Century, New England chapel located in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Today it continues to serve the local community as it has for the past 130 years as a meeting place for religious, educational, and public service activities. The chapel is operated by a board of 5 trustees as a public charitable trust under the laws of the State of New Hampshire and is non-denominational and non-sectarian in its religious affiliation although two of its current tenants maintain ties to religious organizations. For a more in-depth look at the workings of the trust, its charter, mission statement, and trustees, check out our Trust page.
Community Impact – The trust operates the chapel for the benefit of the local community; however, most of those benefits derive not from the building, the trust, or its trustees but from the people and organizations who actually use the chapel in ways that bring value to the community. Our tenants use the chapel six out of seven days each week. News of their activities is available on our Activities Blog.
Facility Rental – The trust regularly houses two church organizations, a religious music group, and two self-help groups. On occasion, we rent to users for public and private events. All contribute to the wellbeing of a wholesome, diverse community. We charge very reasonable fees for the use of our space which is open to everyone. For an in-depth look at what our building has to offer and how to reserve space for an event, please see our Facility Rental page.
Fundraising – Rental income covers our expenses for providing useful space to our tenants. However, in order to maintain our beautiful physical asset, Wheeler Memorial Chapel, in a manner that preserves its historic character, the trustees rely on contributions from other sources. Find out more about our financial benefactors and how we fund capital expense on our Fundraising page.
Trust Origin – Wheeler Chapel was gifted to the people of Reeds Ferry Village, now the Town of Merrimack, by a distinguished former resident, John Wheeler. Not surprisingly, the age of the chapel, its period post-and-beam construction, and classic charm has earned it a Merrimack Heritage Foundation citation as an Historic Building. Read more about our founder and his generous gift to the community on our Trust Origin page.