Hippach Memorial Chapel Open House - Sept. 20

A remarkable piece of history will be open to the public on September 20, 2026

There is a remarkable piece of history tucked away in Oakbrook Terrace—one that connects our community to the Chicago of a century ago, the tragedies of the Iroquois Theatre fire, the sinking of the Titanic, and the extraordinary artistic vision of one of America's most celebrated sculptors.

It is the Hippach Memorial Chapel, located within Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery at 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Built in 1926, the chapel is recognized as the oldest structure in Oakbrook Terrace. The cemetery was originally known as Green Ridge Cemetery before taking the name Chapel Hill Gardens West decades later. Today, the chapel remains one of the area's most extraordinary—and perhaps least-known—historic treasures.

And on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., the public will have an opportunity to experience this remarkable place and witness something that has remained sealed for nearly a century.

The chapel was commissioned by Louis Albert Hippach, a successful Chicago businessman and co-founder of Tyler & Hippach Glass Company. He created the magnificent memorial in honor of his parents, Franz Joseph Hippach (1830–1908) and Magdalena Everling Hippach (1833–1922).

But the story behind the chapel is not simply one of wealth or architecture. It is a story of profound family tragedy.

The Hippach family had experienced tragedies that would have devastated any family. Yet the story of Louis Hippach and his family would soon become intertwined with one of the most famous disasters in modern history.

It is difficult to imagine a more extraordinary family story.

Louis Hippach eventually turned his wealth and grief into something lasting.

The result is breathtaking.

Constructed with Massachusetts granite and Colorado Yule marble, the Gothic-style chapel features stained-Glass windows, carved corbels, elaborate sculptures and a dramatic square tower.

The Mysterious Bronze Urn

Then there is the urn.

Standing five and a half feet tall, the massive bronze urn is one of the chapel's most fascinating features.

Sculptor Richard W. Bock filled its exterior with engravings featuring an intricate visual record of the 1920s—including scenes depicting important world events, stages of human life and portraits of religious and philosophical figures.

According to accounts of Bock's work, he spent more than a year creating the urn alone.

But the most intriguing part is what lies inside.

The urn was designed as a message to the future.

And now, that message is about to be opened.

On September 20, 2026, visitors will have the opportunity to step inside the Hippach Memorial Chapel and experience this remarkable piece of Oakbrook Terrace history during a special open house from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The opening of the urn promises to make the occasion particularly significant.

For generations, the chapel has stood quietly on its hill, surrounded by the cemetery, while the world around it changed. Cars replaced horse-drawn carriages. Farms and open countryside became communities. Chicago grew outward. Oakbrook Terrace was born.

Inside its walls and beneath its sculptures are the memories of a family that experienced extraordinary wealth, unimaginable tragedy, survival, and loss.

And now, for the first time, we may have the opportunity to hear directly from the people who built it.

Historic buildings are often associated with famous cities and distant places. But sometimes the most remarkable stories are right in our own backyard.

The Hippach Memorial Chapel is one of those places.

That makes September 20, 2026 more than an open house.

It is an invitation to step backward through time.

On Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Oakbrook Terrace residents and history lovers are invited to come see one of the community's greatest hidden treasures—and witness a piece of history revealed.

Nearly 100 years ago, Louis Hippach built this chapel to preserve the memory of his family.

Now, nearly a century later, Oakbrook Terrace has the opportunity to see and hear their story.