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| The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ |
The idea of this chapel in this place actually goes all the way back to 1932 when New Yorker, Marguerite Bruswig Staude was inspired by the newly built Empire State Building. Staude was a sculptress, philanthropist, and devout Catholic. She was also an informal student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Staude began envisioning a chapel with a cross as the central supporting structure. At first the idea was to build in Europe along the Danube but political unrest at that time dampened a European project.
After visiting Sedona Arizona, Staude, like many, was captivated by it's red rock beauty and decided that the chapel should be built there. As you can clearly see, Staude's design for the chapel actually made it a part of the natural landscape as could possibly be done. Marguerite Bruswig Staude considered the chapel her greatest artistic life achievement.
The Construction of an Architectural Masterpiece
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was constructed on a twin pinnacled spur of red rocks 250 feet high, jutting out of a thousand foot red rock wall. The chapel forms a framed cross and is enclosed by four large windows looking out over Sedona´s stunning red rocks. It took about one and one half years to build at a cost of $300,000. Building this type of structure at this location was certainly not an easy task.
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| Chapel entrance |
As you can see from it's photos, the chapel is surprisingly modern and contemporary even though it was built almost sixty years ago.The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is one of the finest examples of building into the natural landscape. The balance and confidence the chapel holds with the landscape is remarkable.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is built on Coconino National Forest land and a special use permit was acquired with the help of then Senator Barry Goldwwater. The project architect was Richard Hein and the design was executed by August K. Strotz, both employed by the well known firm of Anshen & Allen.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona
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| Chapel interior |
Just viewing the architecture of this one of a kind chapel and how it was built in the red rocks of Sedona is well worth a visit.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross does not have regular services held however there is an informal prayer session every Monday at 5P with the exception of when Christmas falls on a Monday.
You may also enjoy the Western Trips Arizona articles on the links below...
Attractions in Arizona / Prescott
Hiking Sedona's Crescent Moon Ranch Trail
A Visit to Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory
La Posada in Winslow Arizona
An excellent guide book for the Sedona Arizona area includes...Sedona Arizona Red Rock Country Tour Guide Book: Your personal tour guide for Sedona travel adventure! by Waypoint Tours.
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| The stunning red rocks on the way to the chapel |
When visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross it is important to wear comfortable walking shoes. It's a steep climb from the parking area to the Chapel. If you require it, there is also a parking area at the top for the physically challenged.
Directions to the Chapel of the Holy Cross are as follows. From Highway 89A, take Highway 179 south from Sedona toward the Village of Oak Creek. Turn left on Chapel Road. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is at the end of the road. The formal address is 780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, Arizona.
(Article and photos copyright 2014 Western Trips)
