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,
