Riverside Mortuary Chapel / Wirt Rowland

This chapel, completed in 1913, embodies the dream of Cemetery Superintendent George Kies, the design of Clinton-born architect Wirt Rowland, and the artistry of the mason, a “Mr. Uhr” of Manchester. It also reflects livestock dealer Solomon Tate’s sense of color and design. Tate chose the stones, donated by local farmers. The Clinton Culture Club, later the Federated Women’s Club, led the chapel building effort. Wirt Rowland Early in his long career in Detroit, Clinton native Wirt C. Rowland designed this chapel, which reflects medieval inspiration. Wirt Rowland (1878-1946) worked for George D. Mason, Albert Kahn, and other leading Detroit architects. He is best known for designing three Detroit skyscrapers – the Buhl Building, the Penobscot Building, and the Guardian Building – during the 1920s, while employed by Smith, Hinchman & Grylls. These buildings defined the Detroit skyline for almost fifty years.