Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Anthony Chapel


When we were in Arkansas this past March, we visited Garvin Woodland Gardens of the University of Arkansas, near Hot Springs. We went there specifically to see some waterfalls in the park. But we found MUCH MUCH more. Even though it was only early March, they had some gorgeous blooms in their gardens. I will feature this in another post.


Today I want to show you the Anthony Chapel. which is also part of Garvin Gardens. The chapel was designed by Fayetteville architects Maurice Jennings and David McKee. The $5.8 million chapel complex was funded entirely through private donations. Begun in September of 2004, the chapel was dedicated on Sept. 30, 2006. It was named after benefactors, John Ed and Isabel Anthony. The chapel sits on a hillside, overlooking Lake Hamilton. As part of the complex, there also are a Bride's quarters, a Groom's quarters, a celebration garden and a carillon.


An elegant blend of native wood, glass and stone, the 160 seat chapel is a serene sanctuary where visitors to the gardens can pause to meditate and have their spirits renewed. I sat there and wondered how many weddings have taken place at this facility... I also thought how wonderful it would be to have been married here. This is one of the prettiest chapels I've ever seen. Pictured above is a photo of the chapel as we approached the door. There is 5300 square feet of flagstone sidewalks. Below are more pictures.











This was taken from inside the chapel looking toward the altar. The dimensions: 138' long x 57' high.









Here is a view of the altar. There is 126 tons of flagstone used in floors and sidewalks.









From inside, I pointed my camera at the ceiling.. Amazing, huh???? There is 1230 square feet of glass skylights.









You can see the altar, some of the side windows , and the ceiling. There is 9860 square feet of glass walls. And they used 4800 square feet of stone walls.









This picture was taken --looking from the altar toward the back of the church (where we entered). There is 11,000 square feet of roof area, and 62,500 square feet of structural lumber.







This is the Anthony Family Carillon. It is the newest addition to the Gardens. Composed of sixteen, 54 feet tall steel columns clad in copper, the lofty bell tower welcomes visitors to the chapel. The Carillon is played for weddings, memorials and other special events.









We took this picture as we were leaving the chapel. As you can tell, there would be no way to get a picture from this angle in summer when there are leaves on the trees. That's an advantage of being there in March I guess!!!!


I wish I had a picture taken at night---with the lights on in the chapel. If you want more information and more pictures, google "Anthony Chapel, Hot Springs, AR".






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This picture of my four baby Bluebirds was taken yesterday afternoon. They are growing and there are more and more feathers on them. I think they are ages 7-8 days. Note the one at the top left.. He is really getting bigger!!!


All of the bluebirds were sleeping--which is what I assume that they do --other than eating or pooping!!! ha ha.. Speaking of pooping, you may or may not know that bluebirds are very clean birds. They keep the nest spotless ---including taking the fecal materials and egg shells OUT. Interesting, don't you think?


Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Hugs,

43 comments:

Jayne said...

WOW, what an absolutely lovely place Betsy. It is so deceiving when you look at it. Initially I thought it was just a simple open air chapel until you explained about all the glass. Wow. Stunning.

Susie said...

That chapel is beautiful. My niece got married in one almost like it in N.W. Arkansas in the winter time. Snow was on the ground and it was gorgeous.

Harriet said...

What a beautiful place! You are so lucky to have the chance to travel and see all these wonderful places.
It is also very sweet of you to share your pictures with everyone.

Beth said...

Oh my, that chapel is such a beautiful and remarkable structure. There is a grandeur, and yet simplicity, about it that integrates it into the surrounding forest so well. I think that I would feel very close to God (and His creation) sitting in that chapel. And I agree with you, Betsy---what a wonderful place for a wedding. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Rosa said...

What a gorgeous chapel!! I'm sure there are a lot of weddings there! Awww, your babies are too cute! I always missed them once they flew the coup. Awww.

Connie said...

You sure do find interesting places on your travels. What truly amazing structures. I am so glad you are so willing to share your adventures.

Busy Bee Suz said...

The first thing I thought when I saw that chappel is: I want to get married there! Then I realized I am already married. pooh.
SO gorgeous.
I can really appreciate a tidy bird nest. :)

Arkansas Patti said...

Garvin Gardens are all ready on my to do list but you have made it move rapidly to the top of the list.Thanks for the lovely pictues.
That big blue bird must be the one that always had his mouth open in the other pictues.

Becky said...

Very pretty! But I would hate to clean those windows!

The baby birds are growing. The bigger one most be the first one to the worm!

Unknown said...

What a spectacular Chapel! I have been on more vacations since I started reading your blog!! Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

That's going to be a really beautiful place! All that work & detail is WoW!

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Dirt Princess said...

Betsy I have read about this place in many architecture magazines, it is truly an architectural masterpiece. I would love to see it in person. It is amazing

I Am Woody said...

Oh, can you just imagine a wedding there?!?

Richard said...

Wouldn't want to be the guy that has to clean the windows. I always think when I see glass chapels if they are trying to keep people in for viewing or out for viewing (much like a zoo).

Jen said...

Now that's a place of worship!

Your blue birdies are getting bigger everyday-interesting facts about their housekeeping. thx.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

What a breathtakingly beautiful stucture...
I can just imagine standing inside, and being surrounded by all the shadows playing of the skylights.
The little birdies are getting bigger by the day, and then like mine...poof gone ;)
Great post Betsy !

Unknown said...

What a beautiful place!It would be wonderful to have a wedding there.
And yea! for the baby blueirds.

Tina said...

Wow can't imagine all the work that went into building that chapel!! Such a lovely creation! ...and to have one's wedding there!! What a memory that would make..
Great shots Betsy.
...do love your little blue babies!

NCmountainwoman said...

What a lovely chapel...so in tune with nature and the outside world.

Deborah Godin said...

Wow - that is w/o a doubt one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen!!! Am definitely going to google it for more!!

Loran said...

That chapel is incredible. I've never seen anything like it before. Amazing!

Thanks for staying on top of those little baby birds too, so fun to watch them grow.

Unknown said...

Hey girlie, I commented back to you on my post, but remembered you don't usually go back,anyway, that is not a pileated woodpecker, I think it's a sapsucker.

Shelley said...

That chapel is like a beautiful dream! I love how it blends in with nature - looks so natural. I would've loved to have been married in a place like that too!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

WOW! That chapel is gorgeous.I can only imagine a wedding in there,Beautiful.
Blessings,Ruth

Joy said...

I'd love to see this chapel. It is different from anything I've ever seen. Thank you for posting about it and letting us know where it is.


Joy

Lagean Ellis said...

Betsy,
You are so right. This would be a perfect wedding spot. Ollie and I are very outdoorsy, too.
I have seen photos of this chapel but have never been to it.
We did visit one in Eureka Springs, AR that is similar.

Talk soon!
Gena

SmilingSally said...

What a beautiful place to worship!

Love the update on the birds.

Pigeon said...

What a beautiful place. I love buildings that are in tune with nature. This chapel reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

Pigeon said...

What a beautiful place. I love buildings that are in tune with nature. This chapel reminds me of Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

Unknown said...

That chapel appears to fit in so nicely with the surrounding environment, but structurally and how the older growth trees were preserved so closely to the structure. Inside looks so peaceful.

Anonymous said...

It's been a real joy to get to watch these babies Betsy.....I am mostly caught up..finally...lol

Femin Susan said...

i think those flowers must have been magnificent to see all bloomed at Garvin Woodland Gardens.

That chapel looks great.

Yay, Those baby birds have surely grown a few more feathers.I wonder how fast the birds grow and How we grow.
Have a great day.
Cheers!

Day4plus said...

The chapel is gorgeous. Very unusual. I love the look from insid out. I hope the glass is somehow unbreakable. What a job to replace any panes. Awesome.

Ah the babies will soon be fuzz balls--well maybe not but more feathers anyway. MB

Small City Scenes said...

Smallcityscenes says hello too. LOL MB

Leedra said...

The chapel is gorgeous, I am sure well worth the trip.

Your bluebird house must open from the very top because all your photos are looking straight down. You are not that tall, how are you doing this?

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Janie said...

I love how that chapel celebrates the great outdoors while also providing shelter for worship or meditations, or a lovely wedding ceremony.
The bluebird chicks are looking fine. They'll be trying their wings soon.

Cicero Sings said...

What a glorious chapel ... melding worship with some of nature ... some of the marvels of His creation!

My how fast those babies grow.

penny said...

Hi Besty, Anthony Chapel is a wonderful place for all to enjoy the peace and beauty it provides. And I love the music of a carillon, it is so inspirational.
Thanks for the journey!
Have a wonderful day, Hugs :)

Anonymous said...

Pretty chapel and looks like a place for a fairy tale wedding! Wouldn't you like to hear Jim Brickman play that piano in the chapel???

Rose said...

I would love to be in that chapel sometime when it storms!

RA said...

Very interesting architecture! I would love to see the building at night, but these shots here are amazing as well :)

Bj said...

One of the most unique and interesting sructures I've seen. WOW. Beautiful shots for sure.

Connie said...

Oh being inside of that chapel must have been so wonderful, Betsy. What a beautiful and peaceful spot. Thanks for sharing that.