The Pierce Mortuary Chapels firm began in Old Town Eureka in 1875 when Walter Pierce, a local carpenter, entered the undertaking business. Pierce Mortuary Chapels is a merger of Paul’s Chapel of the Redwoods and Pierce Mortuary.

In 1886, Pierce Funeral Parlors was on the northeast corner of 4^th and G Streets in Eureka and remained there for more than 30 years. Pierce’s widow, Fannie, operated the funeral parlor from 1895 until her death in 1920, and relocated the parlor to the southeast corner of 7^th and H Streets in 1919.

Her director, Ernest G. McWhinney, remodeled the former home of Whiting G. Press into a suitable funeral parlor and became a full partner. In 1925, R. Chalmers Crichton became an apprentice under Mr. McWhinney. In 1954, Mr. Crichton became a partner, and in 1964, Mr. Crichton’s son, Robert, joined the firm.

That same year, Mr. McWhinney retired and sold his interest to Chalmers Crichton, who incorporated the business. In 1971, Robert Crichton purchased an interest and became vice president.

In 1976, Charles S. Wetmore and Kenneth J. Wilkinson purchased Arcata’s Chapel of the Redwoods. They also acquired Paul’s Chapel and consolidated the two operations in the remodeled chapel at 11^th and H Streets in Arcata. In 1982, John C. Ayres, a funeral director from Point Arena, purchased Wilkinson’s interest in the Arcata firm. Paul’s Chapel merged with Pierce Mortuary, and R. Chalmers Crichton retired. In 1984, Charles Wetmore left the firm.

Pierce Mortuary Chapels also owns and operates Humboldt Crematory Company. Pierce Mortuary Chapels is listed in the Register of Historic California Businesses. The staff of both facilities work together closely to serve North Coast families with the same dedication and personal concern started by Walter Pierce in 1875.

Today, we are proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers.