The foundation stone for the planned neo-gothic chapel was laid on Sunday, August 25, 1872, on the name day of the then king, Ludwig II.
On the following Tuesday the 27th of August, the Hammelburg Journal reported:
"Yesterday brought a double celebration to the residents of Hammelburg, which will long remain in their memories. In the early morning hours, a gun salute announced the birthday and name day of our beloved King Ludwig II, which was commenced with High Mass and Te Deum. The royal authorities, the magistrate and the community representatives all attended the festivities. 
After this uplifting celebration, a procession went to the cemetery to attend the laying of the foundation stone for the new cemetery chapel, which was donated by the munificent Baron Carl von Heß in Kissingen, the only surviving descendant of the honourable von Heß family. The chapel shall also be a family crypt for the Baron and his siblings who are already with God"
In 1965, the chapel was extensively renovated and supplied with electricity. The costs amounted to approximately 100,000 DM.
In 1997, another 100,000 DM was earmarked for ongoing maintenance works. The main part of the renovation was work on the roof cladding.
Memorial services are held in the chapel every year on the anniversary of the founder's death on the 2nd of October, on All Saints' Day on the 1st of November and on All Souls’ Day on the 2nd of November.
