Supernatural Research Society of Iowa

On May 25, SRSOI team members Vicki and Kate took the opportunity to explore one of Des Moines’ little-known treasures, the Glendale Abbey.

Built in 1912, the abbey was one of three built in the state, but is the last to remain standing. It was thought that the large tombs would be the way of the future for burials, but the idea apparently never caught on. When the final few plots within Glendale Abbey are filled, the building will hold the remains of more than 700 Iowans within its walls. It is still one of the largest mausoleums in the nation.

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On May 25, SRSOI team members Vicki and Kate took the opportunity to explore one of Des Moines’ little-known treasures, the Glendale Abbey. Built in 1912, the abbey was one of three built in the state, but is the last to remain standing. It was thought that the large tombs would be the way of the future for burials, but the idea apparently never caught on. When the final few plots within Glendale Abbey are filled, the building will hold the remains of more than 700 Iowans within its walls. It is still one of the largest mausoleums in the nation.

The abbey is eerily silent and dark. Dusty stained-glass windows allow some light to sneak through, but not much. Though the cemetery outside was bustling with people on Memorial Day, few chose to take advantage of the rare opportunity to go inside.

There is a small chapel in the front, with park benches for pews, and a marble pulpit for memorial services. The building is larger than expected, with a high, domed ceiling and two wide corridors that coax visitors into their depths. The halls produce echoes that seem to go nowhere, and house the dead, five-high, within their walls.

Some sections are specifically for “cremains”, or the cremated remains of the dead. Many of these 90 cremains were interred when the building first opened, and are visible through panes of glass. Each urn is unique, and many share the tiny space with dusty, framed photos of the deceased held within.

Jetting off of the corridors are small, tall rooms with graves stacked five high, either horizontally or “feet first”. The lower, eye-level crypts are more costly, while the lofty graves 15 feet above are less expensive, and less visible to visitors.

The abbey at Glendale is the last one of its kind standing in Iowa, but unfortunately, it now lies in disrepair. Its massive sandstone walls, pillars, and ceilings are proving difficult to maintain. The roof, which has allowed moisture to seep in, was recently fixed for tens of thousands of dollars, but unfortunately it was too late for several of the marble headstones.

In some areas, the freeze-thaw cycle of tough Iowa winters has all but disintegrated the soft marble markers. The names of several of the entombed have been washed away, now anonymous to visitors, and more than one stone has eroded into a pile of white dust. Spots of mold grow where the ceiling has cracked.

A fundraising campaign is underway for the city-owned structure, with a goal of $40,000 for restoration. Donations can be made by contacting Des Moines’ Parks & Recreation Department.

Though the abbey is rarely open to the public, opportunities may arise more often due to the fundraising efforts. Also, In November of 2012, a time-capsule is to be removed from within the abbey’s stone pulpit, revealing the culture of Des Moines in 1912. The event will also mark the 100th anniversary of the tomb being opened; a reason to celebrate compared to the fate of its sister structures. So visit Glendale Abbey while you can… no one can be sure how many more years the old abbey will hold up.

To make a donation or get additional info, contact the Glendale Cemetery office at 515-248-6320.

© Supernatural Research Society of Iowa 2009.