The mission of Friends of the Chapel
is to protect, preserve, and promote the Laclede Groves Chapel at the highest levels.

We are developing a group of residents who are interested in carrying out this mission. As was done by many others before us, we want to insure that the beauty, majesty and history of the chapel are available for many generations to come.

This is Hallowed Ground.

How does our mission play out in real life?

Protecting, preserving and promoting the chapel will require some intentional focus. The original building and chapel is 108 years old. We are unique in the EverTrue world of retirement communities with that kind of legacy. Other communities have designated chapel space, but that usually means converting a multi-purpose room for worship and services. We need to remember how blessed we are at Laclede Groves to have this historic space.

The initial group forming Friends of the Chapel, and we hope you’ll be a part of this movement, is considering several initiatives to elevate this space. Not only is it hallowed ground, but we believe it behooves us to promote the chapel as the cultural landmark that it is in our community. 

How do you become a Friend of the Chapel?

To become a Friend of the Chapel, simply take on a mindset to help protect, preserve, and promote our chapel by telling its story to your friends, family, and neighbors. Consider yourself a chapel ambassador. Learn all you can about the chapel by exploring this website. Return to this web page often to learn of new initiatives, events, and opportunities that are available to you. To be added to our emailing list, send your name and a preferred email address to friendsofthechapel@gmail.com.

We are the current stewards of the chapel.

A very necessary goal of Friends of the Chapel is to raise funds for the restoration and preservation of this sacred space. That will require some significant investments. We are the chapel's current stewards. The chapel's deteriorating roof needs to be replaced, water damage in the chancel needs to be repaired, our priceless windows need to be restored, and an upgrade in the heating and cooling of the chapel needs to eventually be addressed. These changes will require huge investments, but we believe, along with the commitments of EverTrue, they are worthy of our support and must be accomplished.

“Preserving the Light” -  A Resident Campaign to Restore Our Priceless Windows

The success of “Preserving the Light,” the resident initiative to restore our beautiful chapel windows, is rooted in the passion and tenacity of the Friends of the Chapel. This group’s unwavering dedication, countless hours of advocacy, and creative problem-solving have made this project possible. 

Preserving our chapel windows is a meaningful endeavor, and there are several ways you can contribute to this effort. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference.

• IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): If you are age 70½ or older, you may use a QCD from your IRA to make a charitable gift directly to “Preserving the Light”. This option may allow you to satisfy your required minimum distribution while potentially reducing your taxable income. 

• Cash Gifts: Simple and direct, cash donations are always appreciated. Whether given as a one-time contribution or as a recurring gift, your support will help fund the restoration and preservation work. Checks should be made payable to Laclede Groves – Preserving the Light and placed into a payment drop box around campus or delivered to the Business Office. Giving envelopes are also available.

• Pledge Commitment: If you wish to support the initiative over time, you may make a pledge. This allows you to commit to a specific amount, to be fulfilled according to a schedule that works for you (monthly, quarterly, or annually). 

We invite all residents to join in this opportunity to make a lasting impact. For more details about giving options, or to discuss how you’d like to support the chapel windows initiative, please contact Gina Timme, Director of Development, Gina.Timme@evertrueliving.org or 314-373-4094.

Use this QR code to access the EverTrue giving page. Together, we can ensure that the chapel windows continue to illuminate our lives and our community for years to come.

Friends of the Chapel Communicator
Current Edition

Thank you for your interest!

Friends of the Chapel Core Group

Steve and Cathy Albers
Barb Balzer
Phil Blackwell
Mark and Kay Bleyer
Margaret Caldwell
Chaplain Monte Hahn

Hank and Susan Raedeke
Roger Ruff
Gina Timme
Bill and Diann Wichman
Chaplain Jennifer Wientge
Christa Wolf