Harkness Chapel at Case Western Reserve

Harkness Chapel at Case Western Reserve University was built in memory of Florence Harkness

Florence Harkness was the daughter of Stephen V. and Anna Harkness. She was a compassionate and independent woman dedicated to charitable work for the poor. In 1894, she married Louis Severance, the son of John L. Severance, the builder of Severance Hall in Cleveland. Sadly, she died shortly after her marriage on July 29, 1895.

Florence Harkness Severance

Tragically, less than a year after she was married, Florence passed away at a young age, and the cause of her death remains uncertain. In memory of Florence, her grieving family generously donated $121,000 to construct and endow a chapel on Bellflower Road in University Circle.