InSPIREd PALM SUNDAY FEATURE: CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS Sedona AZ 13.4.14

Welcome to InSPIREd Sunday 

for this Palm Sunday  6th Sunday in Lent

FHC is guest hosting today for the InSPIREd blog meme
where you'll find a wide variety of  church architecture featured

each weekend by bloggers around the world.

Today's feature is the Chapel of the Holy Cross located in Sedona Arizona.

Built on the buttes with a westerly view overlooking Sedona Arizona,
the Chapel of the Holy Cross was completed 58 years ago in April 1956.
With its universal appeal, it is a must see attraction in Sedona. 
The unique location offers breathtaking views of the majestic Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and much of the eastern rim of Sedona.

The chapel was originally inspired and commissioned by local resident of Oak Creek AZ, rancher, artist and sculptor, Marguerite Brunswig Staude.  After experiencing a recurring vision of a cross on the newly completed Empire State Building, NY, in 1932 and  throughout the 25 years that followed, the cross became a recurring theme.  Inspired to build a skyscraping cathedral in Europe, Marguerite secured the assistance of architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.  WWII’s outbreak forced cancellation of their plans and the decision to build in her native region.

Richard Hein was chosen as project architect, and the design was executed by architect August K. Strotz, both from the firm of Anshen & Allen. The chapel is built on Coconino National Forest land; the late Senator Barry Goldwater assisted Staude in obtaining a special-use permit. The construction supervisor was Fred Courkos, who built the chapel in 18 months at a cost of US$300,000. Ground turning in 1955 began the Chapel of the Holy Cross, completed in April 1956.

via Steven W Dengler

Chapel of the Holy Cross was built 250 feet above the valley, sheltered by the thousand foot twin pinnacle spur known as the Twin Buttes.

The American Institute of Architects gave the Chapel its Award of Honor in 1957. In 2007, Arizonans voted the Chapel to be one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona.

In the sculptor Staude's words, "Though Catholic in faith, as a work of art the Chapel has a universal appeal. Its doors will ever be open to one and all, regardless of creed, that God may come to life in the souls of all men and be a living reality."  A mosaic tile dove inlays the approach to the entry.  A plaque at the entry quotes “Peace to all who enter here”.

The interior of the chapel is spare, in deference to the awe inspiring beauty of Creation evident outside the window fronting the altar and again at the rear of the chapel as one exits. The cross is central and dominant in the space. Simple bench seating, walls adorned with tapestries depicting Old Testament prophets, candelabras and flickering red votives create a serene, contemplative sanctuary.  

Yours to Enjoy ~ a brief 3 min Chapel of the Holy Cross video tour

Plus 381 additional visitor photographic views  HERE

[ My favourites are the beautiful views as one exits the chapel ]

Chapel of the Holy Cross was the first contemporary structure built as a Catholic church, and belongs to the parish of St. John Vianney in Sedona and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix.   It is open from 9am to 5pm daily and closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.  Visitors are invited to attend a brief evening prayer service on Monday evenings at 5pm.

The steep climb from the parking area requires use of caution and comfortable shoes. There is a parking area at the top for the physically challenged.

Find unusual Historic background regarding past uses of the Chapel HERE.

Thank you for visiting today and sharing the beauty of

Chapel of the Holy Cross in its InSPIREd setting!

May your Palm Sunday worship be a
Blessed time of remembrance and celebration.

Find more InSPIREd posts HERE

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