UTICA — Forest Hill Cemetery’s historic Silas D. Childs Chapel took another step toward preservation with a stone unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 29, according to a new release from the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. This event marks a significant moment in the Childs Chapel restoration initiative.

The Sept. 30 release describes the gathering as a celebration of Phase I of the restoration project. The Chamber’s earlier event notice identifies the ceremony as the launch of that phase. Neither announcement should be read as confirmation that all restoration work has been completed.

The Childs Chapel restoration project enjoys strong community support, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical landmarks.

The project combines a state preservation grant with local fundraising. The Chamber reports a $392,000 grant from the New York State Historic Preservation Office and $122,000 in community contributions toward a $150,000 fundraising goal.

The ceremony follows earlier coverage of the planned restoration launch. This update adds the Chamber’s report that the gathering took place and its latest fundraising figures.

A community gift dating to the 1800s

The chapel carries a story that reaches back to Forest Hill Cemetery’s early years. According to the Chamber, the cemetery was founded in 1850 and now encompasses approximately 185 acres with more than 60,000 burials.

Silas D. Childs was a founding trustee and a prominent Utica businessman. After his death in 1866, his wife, Roxana, financed a chapel in his memory. The Chamber says construction began in 1868 and the building was dedicated in 1870.

The cemetery’s own restoration information also dates construction to 1868–1870. An earlier event description refers to the building as having been built in 1869. Taken together, the accounts place its creation within that three-year period rather than establish a different history.

The original gift was intended for public use. That community purpose remains central to the current effort to preserve the building, which is part of a working cemetery as well as a place connected to Utica’s past.

What happened at the ceremony

The Chamber says the Sept. 29 gathering included a stone unveiling and an official ribbon cutting. Its supplied photograph identifies Frank Williams, president of the Forest Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees, holding the scissors.

Greater Utica Chamber Executive Director Kari Puleo appears alongside cemetery board members, volunteers and staff, according to the supplied caption. The photo documents the gathering; it does not by itself establish how much construction has been finished.

The event had been announced for 10:30 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery, 2201 Oneida St. The earlier notice described it as the beginning of a preservation effort, with community leaders and project representatives taking part.

For readers following the project, the important development is that the launch has moved from an upcoming event to a reported milestone. The work itself, its schedule and its final outcome will require additional updates.

The fundraising picture

The Chamber’s latest release reports $122,000 raised toward the $150,000 local goal. That leaves $28,000 to reach the announced fundraising target, based on the figures in the release.

The same release lists Phase I’s total cost as $522,000. The reported $392,000 grant and $122,000 raised add up to $514,000. These numbers describe different measures: the project cost, the grant award and the community campaign target.

The release does not explain how the full $150,000 fundraising goal relates to the stated $522,000 project total. It would be premature to describe the difference as an accounting error, a reserve or additional planned work without clarification from project leaders.

Donors who want to understand exactly how their contributions will be used can ask the preservation foundation about the current budget, grant conditions and any funds intended for future work. That is a reasonable question for a community-supported project.

Why the building needs attention

Forest Hill’s official donation page describes aging masonry and a need to address the chapel’s outer walls, interior finish and ventilation. The earlier Chamber event notice also identifies stabilization and protection from further deterioration as goals.

Those descriptions help explain the emphasis on preservation rather than a cosmetic change. The effort is intended to keep the structure sound while protecting its historic character.

However, the available announcements do not provide a construction completion date or a detailed progress report. Readers should not assume the chapel has reopened for every use, that tours are available daily or that all fundraising needs have been met.

Anyone planning a visit specifically to see the chapel should contact Forest Hill first. A working restoration project can have changing access arrangements, and a cemetery also has responsibilities to families using its grounds.

A landmark within a living community

Historic preservation often becomes most visible when people gather for a ceremony. Its longer-term value depends on the less visible work that follows: maintaining a building, tracking expenses and keeping the public informed.

Childs Chapel’s history gives the project a clear local connection. It was created through one family’s gift, placed within a cemetery founded by members of the community and intended to serve the public.

Today’s campaign again brings together a public grant and private contributions. That combination means progress is a matter of interest both to donors and to residents who value the city’s historic places.

The ceremony is a moment to recognize the people supporting that effort. It is also an opportunity to ask practical questions about what has been funded, what work comes next and how the building will be cared for after restoration.

How residents can learn more

Readers can begin with the cemetery’s official donation page, which links to the preservation fundraising campaign. Use the organization’s own pages when seeking current information, rather than relying on an old event listing or an unofficial appeal.

The cemetery lists its address as 2201 Oneida St., Utica, and its phone number as 315-735-2701. Questions about visiting the grounds, chapel access or the preservation project can be directed there.

Before donating, review the campaign description and confirm that the contribution is going to the intended project. If you want a receipt or information about a designated gift, ask the foundation about its procedures.

For now, the new report documents a successful community gathering and substantial fundraising toward the announced goal. The next useful update will be a clear account of construction progress and the remaining work.

Sources: Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce press release emailed Sept. 30, 2026; the Chamber’s Sept. 29 event listing; Forest Hill Cemetery’s official restoration and donation information. The ceremony marked the launch of Phase I, not verified completion of the entire restoration.

Featured image supplied by the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce.