We at Chapel of the Chimes have been providing the Oakland area burial and funeral services for over 100 years. In 1959, we became the first space in the world to provide both columbarium and mausoleums. Our magnificent building, spanning one and a half city blocks, was designed by nationally renowned architects and declared a historic landmark by the City of Oakland in 1999.

Early History

The first crematory was built by the California Crematorium Association in 1909 on the site of an old trolley car station. At the time, it was being used as a chapel; in fact, the original chapel still has train schedules on the wall. A young visionary named Lawrence F. Moore was hired in 1911 to manage the business. One of his greatest accomplishments was hiring architect Julia Morgan to design and expand the facility. On Memorial Day in 1928, the new columbarium and chapel were dedicated as “Chapel of the Chimes,” named for the set of chimes in the chapel’s tower. A different architect, Aaron Green, would add six additions to the structure over 24 years, integrating mausoleums for above-ground burial and entombment of casketed remains.

Prominent Architects

Chapel of the Chimes had the good fortune of commissioning Julia Morgan, whose buildings have become California treasures, and Aaron Green, an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, to design its facilities. Morgan’s design focused on creating a peaceful, healing place of rest. The Moorish-inspired interior features ornate stonework, indoor gardens, statues, fountains, and glass vaulted ceilings. Green continued Morgan’s style in his additions, but added a more modern touch.

Famous Burials

Our columbaria and mausoleums house the remains of athletes, musicians, politicians, and explorers. The most famous resident of Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland is John Lee Hooker, an influential blues guitarist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The magnificent design and size of our buildings, coupled with our extensive experience in providing cremation and funeral services, have made Chapel of the Chimes the most desired cremation venue in Northern California. Call us at (510) 654-0123 to learn more today.

This summer, on the longest day of the year, you can check out new music from artists around the Oakland area as you roam the halls of the gothic-inspired columbarium at Chapel of the Chimes. This year’s Garden of Memory event will mark the 15th anniversary of the summer solstice concert. New Music Bay Area and Lifemark Group Arts have joined together to present over 30 bands and performers from the Bay Area.

Origins

The idea for the concert came about when Sarah Cahill, a musician and critic, came across Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland while doing research for an article. Impressed by our building’s architecture and design and inspired by its acoustically separate alcoves, Cahill approached our columbarium’s owners with an idea for a concert. Intrigued by the opportunity to showcase our beautiful facilities while supporting local artists, we said yes.

Facility

Each band plays in its own separate area, and guests are encouraged to walk through and listen to as many acts as possible. However, you might find your attention being drawn away by the building itself. Illuminated by soft natural light, Chapel of the Chimes offers a maze of internal gardens, cloisters, alcoves, stairwells, statues, mosaics, and fountains to stimulate your eyes while you listen to musicians from throughout the Bay Area.

New Music

Each year, dozens of performers, ranging from big names to lesser-known acts, come together to offer a variety of sounds. The concert features percussionists, art-rock bands, harpists, electric pianists, trombonists, and many others, including musicians wielding an assortment of eclectic, self-designed instruments.

The summer solstice concert has been a continued success for over a decade. For more information on the concert or Chapel of the Chimes   funeral and cremation services in Oakland, call us at (510) 654-0123.

Through the years, Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland has helped thousands of families honor the life of a loved one. We also are proud to be an active member of our community. Learn more about our funeral home with the information below.

• The Chapel of The Chimes in Oakland is proud to host local concerts. Learn more about our featured jazz artist John Santos at his website.

• The late owner of the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis , was laid to rest on our chapel grounds in 2011. Learn about his amazing life and career in professional football by visiting Raiders.com.

• Learn about the stages of grief and what to expect if you’ve just lost a loved one in this article from LiveStrong.com.

• Navigating the funeral process can be difficult, especially considering the ever-present emotions of grief. For help, click on this link to BBB.org.

• Learn about the cremation process if you’re looking into end-of-life options. HowStuffWorks.com explains the process.

Chapel of The Chimes in Oakland has a respectful staff that can help you through the steps of the funeral process. Give us a call at (510) 992-6709 for more information.

Through the years, Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland has helped thousands of families honor the life of a loved one. We also are proud to be an active member of our community. Learn more about our funeral home with the information below. 

· The Chapel of The Chimes in Oakland is proud to host local concerts. Learn more about our featured jazz artist John Santos at his website.

· The late owner of the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis , was laid to rest on our chapel grounds in 2011. Learn about his amazing life and career in professional football by visiting Raiders.com.

· Learn about the stages of grief and what to expect if you’ve just lost a loved one in this article from LiveStrong.com.

·  Navigating the funeral process can be difficult, especially considering the ever-present emotions of grief. For help, click on this link to BBB.org.

· Learn about the cremation process if you’re looking into end-of-life options. HowStuffWorks.com explains the process.

Chapel of The Chimes in Oakland has a respectful staff that can help you through the steps of the funeral process. Give us a call at (510) 992-6709 for more information.

Thank you to everyone who made our Memorial Day celebration a huge success this year!

Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to celebrating again next year!