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Churches, Abbeys, and Other Religious Structures of Note in the Finger Lakes

CAYUGA COUNTY

Mentz Church

Mentz Church and McDonald Rds.

Montezuma, NY 13140

315-776-8632

Erected by early settlers prior to its incorporation as a First Methodist Episcopal Church in 1825, the Mentz Church is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open for visits on Sundays from May to October, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Available for weddings and special events.

Willard Memorial Chapel

17 Nelson St.

Auburn, NY 13021

315-252-0339

Lovely interior designed and hand-crafted by the Louis C. Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company in the early 1890s. Thought to be the only remaining complete and unaltered Tiffany interior. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During July and August the Tiffany Summer Concert Series is held in the chapel every Wednesday at noon. See also: http://www.tourauburnny.com/willard.html

CHEMUNG COUNTY

Mt. Saviour Monastery

231 Monastery Rd.

Pine City, NY 14871

607-734-1688

Following the Benedictine tradition, the monks of Mt. Saviour seek a simple life, sharing work, study, and prayer on 250 acres. They make money by raising sheep, marketing the lambs, yarn, and pelts. They also have a book and gift shop. The monastery has private retreat accommodations for men, women, and married couples.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Abbey of the Genesee

3258 River Rd.

Piffard, NY 14533

585-243-0660

Founded in 1951 from the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, Kentucky, the Abbey of the Genesee is a community of cloistered monks belonging to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance or Trappists. The monastic enclosure consists of 1,200 acres of forest, creeks, ravines, and rolling hills along with its indigenous wildlife. Most members of the community are not ordained priests but men dedicated to a life of religious contemplation. Their principal form of revenue is the famous Monks' Bread. The church is open for prayer and the front grounds are open for walks. The Abbey also sponsors retreats.

SCHYULER COUNTY

Lawrence Chapel

Rt. 228

Between Mecklenburg and Odessa

607-734-4167

Built as a memorial to the children of Samuel and Elizabeth Lawrence, 9 of whom are buried in the nearby cemetery, the chapel is now the property of the Chemung County Historical Society. It is available for weddings and other events.