The chapel at Topčider Cemetery, as well as the dwelling for the chapel keeper, was built by Nikola Spasić during his lifetime, in 1903, in memory of his second wife Stanka, who died that year, and dedicated to his family patron saint (krsna slava), Saint Tryphon (1/14 February). This is evident from the inscription carved on the plaque above the entrance to the church, which reads:
This house of prayer, the church of the Holy Martyr Tryphon, was built by NIKOLA SPASIĆ merchant for the repose of the soul of his wife STANKA-CAJA 1903
During his lifetime Nikola Spasić cared for the maintenance of this endowment. In his will he expressly directed that “for the maintenance of his chapel the executors of the will shall spend from the income of his estate up to 400 dinars”.
Nikola Spasić died on 28 November 1916 on Corfu, where he was temporarily buried, and as soon as circumstances allowed, in April 1923, he was transferred to Belgrade and solemnly buried at Topčider Cemetery, in the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr Tryphon.
In the church a memorial plaque was placed on the grave of Leposava Spasić, the first wife of Nikola Spasić, with the inscription:
† NIKOLA SPASIĆ merchant great national benefactor born in Belgrade 1838 died on Corfu 1916 transferred to Serbia 1923 and buried here in the tomb of his endowment
By the express wish of Nikola Spasić, his third wife, Naka Spasić, transferred to the chapel in 1927 the mortal remains of Leposava Spasić, the first wife of Nikola Spasić.
Naka Spasić was also buried in the same chapel in 1953.
