Recent News

Share this

Town of Chili Recognizes Cox Hall as Local Historic Landmark

Today, Edward P. Cox Hall on Roberts Wesleyan College campus was recognized as a historic landmark by the Town of Chili. The building, named in honor of its donor, Edward P. Cox, houses Roberts Wesleyan’s Department of Music and Performing Arts. The first public event hosted in Cox Hall was the funeral of B.T. Roberts, founder and visionary of Roberts Wesleyan College, on February 27, 1893. Today, performances, classes and meetings are held in the building.

At a formal ceremony hosted at Cox Hall this afternoon, Town of Chili leaders presented President Deana L. Porterfield with a plaque to officially mark the building as a historic landmark.

“We are proud to honor historic, unique buildings within our community,” said Phil Supernault, chair of the Chili Historic Preservation Board. “We spent a significant amount of time in Cox Hall, took many photographs and spent hours researching its history. From the moment we walked into the building, we knew it was something special. This building is a piece of art, rich with history and stories. ”

Members of the preservation board then presented their findings to the Chili Town Board last year to secure its approval into the Landmark District. The preservation board selects historical landmarks based on architectural and design integrity, rich historical significance and the impact the building has made on the community. The college received notification in late November that the building was approved and will be recognized as a historic building. 

“Since our beginning in 1866, when we were called Chili Seminary, we have been blessed by generous donors who love this campus and believe in our mission,” said Porterfield. “Edward P. Cox was such a man. His support of B.T. Roberts and his generous investment in the vision of this school, are part of our rich heritage and history. Our students still benefit from those gifts through the unique transformational education available to them at Roberts Wesleyan College.”

As a prominent member of the Episcopalian Church in Buffalo and very close friend of the Roberts community, Cox donated $8,000 to build the hall in the early 1890s. The building opened in 1892.

Additional historical landmarks in the Greater Rochester area include Susan B. Anthony House, Aquinas Institute, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall Historic District, East High School and several others.

For more news articles, you can take a look at our archive.