Chapel of the Assumption worship services on the east side of Lake George began in 1914 in a dance hall now the Sans Souci, in Cleverdale which was used by both Catholics and Protestants. The first Chapel Of Our Lady Of The Assumption was built in Cleverdale in 1921 with the financial support of the people. It was a mission church of Sacred Heart Parish and Father John Kilduff was the Pastor.
The mission was later transferred, debt free, to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bolton Landing. If this seems illogical, remember that in the era local transportation around the Lake was often by water. The current 9L route was discontinuous and you could not drive directly from the village to the east side except by the “winter road.” Both parishioners and clergy frequently arrived by boat. By water, Bolton Landing was closer than Lake George Village!
Father Daniel Cronin from Bolton Landing was the first Pastor, followed by Father Armand Beniot. Although intended initially as a summer church, year round residences in the area increased and a furnace was added so that Masses could be held during the winter months. Parishioners donated the beautiful stained glass window that still remains in the building, which was subsequently sold and is now a private residence.
The Chapel facilities in Cleverdale became crowded. Parking became a major problem with more families arriving by automobile. The fire department objected to the road being blocked during Mass. Under the guidance of Fathers Meehan and Sirka, the property on Ridge Road was acquired and a new facility was constructed. In a recounting of the various transactions leading to the new building on Ridge Road it is stated:
It was conceived by Bishop Gibbons It was executed by Bishop Scully
It was dedicated by Bishop Broderick Bishop Maginn attended the dedication
The dedication was held on May 30, 1966. Father Vacys Sirka was then the Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Bolton Landing.
In 1968, the Chapel was returned to Sacred Heart and its new Pastor, Father Wilfred Bouchey. Again, changing demographics dictated the transfer. More year-round residencies on the East side of the Lake and improved roads made the Village a more logical focal point. Children were attending religious education classes in the Village during the school year and at the Paulist Fathers camp during the summers. The Chapel parishioners petitioned for renewed affiliation with Sacred Heart.
The Chapel has had six pastors during its history in affiliation with Sacred Heart.
Rev. Wilfred Bouchey 1968-1974 Rev. George Phillips 1974-1991
Rev. Paul C. Cox 1991-1998 Rev. Timothy Harrison 1998
Rev. Joseph O’Brien 1998-2003 Rev. Bernard R. Turner 2003-2007
Rev. Thomas F. Berardi 2007
The Chapel family varies from about one hundred parishioners during the winter months to about one hundred fifty during the spring and fall seasons. During the summer months an influx of vacationers swells attendance at the single Sunday Mass to nearly four hundred people.
Although the “year-rounders” keep the facilities and the Masses operating smoothly, most Chapel events are parish centered. Its parishioners serve on the Parish Council and the Finance Committee. Since 1977 one of the two Parish trustees has been selected from among Chapel parishioners. The Chapel is the largest facility of the Parish that is usable on a year round basis. Accordingly, it is the site of several significant Parish events such as First Eucharist and the Family Mass at Christmas. The Chapel, truly and proudly, functions as an integral part of Sacred Heart Catholic Community.