The Chapel is now in full swing for the 2026 Summer Season!
Holloway Memorial Chapel
Our Spiritual Path Begins - Join us to connect on a deeper level!
Holloway Memorial Chapel
Our Spiritual Path Begins - Join us to connect on a deeper level!
July 26th 2025 - SERVICE - Rev. Brian Rotach
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Rev. Brian Rotach to join us at this week’s Sunday Service.
Rev. Brian Rotach, received a Master of Divinity Degree, at Howard University, Washington DC. He is a retired Pastor of Seneca Street United Methodist Church, a mission church to the challenged Seneca-Babcock neighborhood of Buffalo.
When jobs left during the rust belt era (and with it many people), the congregation at Seneca Street United Methodist Church went from several 100 people in size to about a dozen.
In 1994, Rev. Brian and his wife, Cheryl Bird, were sent to close this church. They soon realized how disastrous that would be for one of the poorest neighborhoods Buffalo.
Together, Rev. Brian and Cheryl somehow managed to keep it open for the children. Because the community surrounding it could not sustain its finances, they fortunately adopted it. They paid the heating bills and have funded a lot of renovations. They also funded the summer reading camp. In addition, the church helps to run the after school tutoring program.
Brian and Cheryl dedicated their lives in creating an organization so kids could get free lunches and access public funding using the church building. And, they enlisted other churches in the area to help support the church so it stayed open.
"Nothing we do here is for the church," Rotach said, explaining that all of the programs run by the church are for the benefit of the children in what he describes as "one of the poorest neighborhoods in Buffalo."
"We keep this building open because the neighborhood needs a church. Nothing else is left here," said Rotach, who also has served as pastor of Woodside United Methodist Church in South Buffalo.
The effort of such a poor congregation to fill such a big gap in a truly needy neighborhood is surely immense.
30 years later, it is still open and has seen solid results in the community it serves.
Thank you so much Rev. Brian Rotach!
Weddings, Baptisms & Memorials at Holloway Memorial Chapel
Holloway Memorial Chapel, a cherished landmark with 132 years of history, continues to serve the community as a vibrant and beautiful space for various celebrations. This meticulously preserved chapel, on Abino Bay near the ‘scenic shores of Lake Erie’, offers an atmosphere rich in old-world charm and tranquility, making it a perfect setting for Sunday Services from Father’s Day through Labour Day.
Open to all, the chapel provides an interdenominational space that welcomes everyone. It is an ideal venue for significant life events, including baptisms, engagement proposals, elopements, marriage ceremonies, vow renewals, and Celebration of Life events.
Nestled among lush greenery and vibrant gardens along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, Holloway Memorial Chapel offers an enchanting backdrop for your unforgettable moments. The historical significance of the chapel adds depth and meaning to any celebration, inviting you to become part of its ongoing narrative.
For those seeking a unique and meaningful venue to celebrate their love and life’s milestones, Holloway Memorial Chapel stands as a timeless choice.
For more information, available dates and costs, please contact us via the Information Request Form in the 'Contact Us Section' on our website; send an email to hollowaymemorialchapel1@gmail.com or; contact our Weddings, Baptisms and Memorials Director, Carolyn Miller at 905-834-4036.Our mission is to spread the message of peace and love through the teachings of Holloway Memorial Chapel. We believe in the power of faith and strive to create a community that fosters spiritual growth.
About Our Chapel
Chapel History
Chapel History
Chapel History
The Holloway Memorial Chapel was founded in 1894 in honor of Issac and Mary Ann Holloway. Through the years it has welcomed residents and visitors to the Ridgeway Ontario area to participate in Sunday Services throughout the summer season.
Our Mission
Chapel History
Chapel History
Our mission is to bring together an inter-denominational worship community through praise, proclamation, music, teaching and sharing. We welcome freedom of thought and opinion to all who enter. We believe the experience of loving fellowship will bring joy and peace to each person's spiritual journey.
Sunday Services
Weddings and Events
Weddings and Events
Sunday Services are held at 10:00 AM throughout the summer months. Please see the Calendar Page for the 2026 Schedule and Speaker Names.
Weddings and Events
Weddings and Events
Weddings and Events
Through the years the Chapel has been a special place to hold weddings, baptisms, memorial services and other similar events.