Chapel of the Holy Cross Reviews (Sedona, Arizona)

A Unique Architectural and Spiritual Marvel

Mays Landing, New Jersey

March 20, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo This distinctive and elegant architectural wonder was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude (sculptor and philantrophist) through a revelation she received after gazing upon the newly opened Empire State Building in 1932. Her vision encountered a ...Read more This distinctive and elegant architectural wonder was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude (sculptor and philantrophist) through a revelation she received after gazing upon the newly opened Empire State Building in 1932. Her vision encountered a lot of obstacles to fruition but finally, in 1956, the Chapel of Holy Cross was completed. It became the first contemporary structure of its kind which was constructed as a Catholic Church. But eventhough Catholic in orientation, it welcomes peoples of all faiths and denomination and serves as a shrine for reflection and prayer, introspection and insight.

The structure is a masterpiece of contemporary art. Seemingly built into and between Sedona’s red rocks, it stands majestically rising about 200 feet above the ground and blends beautifully with the surrounding red rocks. The 90-foot cross is prominently displayed in front and the stained glass windows let in light in a myriad of colors that is dazzling and awe-inspiring. The views from the chapel are just breathtaking. Sitting up on a hill, it is surrounded by panoramic views of the majestic red rocks.

Inside the chapel, it is lovely, yet serene and intimate. There are only two rows of 7 pews on each side, and encourages an atmosphere of rumination and reverence. It is also believed to be the site of one of Sedona’s vortexes (though not one of the popular ones) reinforced by the general feeling of calm and inspiration that people report after their visit. Personally, being in the chapel and around it was relaxing for me. It certainly encouraged meditation. But even aside from its strong spiritual significance, there is no doubt that this dramatic edifice would be appreciated for its artistic merit.

The chapel is accessed at the end of Chapel road off Hwy 179. Although easily accessible, the steep climb up the hill from the parking lot might be a little daunting. There is a small gift shop under the chapel where unique religious trinkets are available. It is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. There is no permanent mass services held on this chapel but a regular prayer service occurs every Monday at 5pm.
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From journal Stunningly Scenic Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by Cnugent

Tucson, Arizona

August 20, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo This beautiful chapel is located just south of the city of Sedona and can be seen on the right from state highway 179 as you are driving north toward the city of Sedona from the Sedona exit on Interstate 17.Built on a bluff, the Chapel both blends ...Read more This beautiful chapel is located just south of the city of Sedona and can be seen on the right from state highway 179 as you are driving north toward the city of Sedona from the Sedona exit on Interstate 17.

Built on a bluff, the Chapel both blends in with its environment and enhances it.

The Chapel is the fulfillment of a dream of Marguerite Brunswig Staude (1899 - 1988), a religious artist and sculpture, who in 1932 was inspired to design and build a modern cathedral. The outbreak of World War II forced her to give up the idea of designing a cathedral to be built in Europe and other obstacles thwarted her plans for building it in various large cities in the US. Following her marriage to Anthony Staude in 1938, she and her husband purchased a ranch in Sedona, Arizona in 1941 to use for a vacation home. Living amongst the scenic splendor of the Sedona countryside, her dreams of a majestic cathedral morphed into a plan for a chapel that would celebrate the beauty of God's creation with art. Working with architect Frank Lloyd Wright's son, Lloyd, she conceived a design for the Chapel and plans and a model were created. However, it wasn't until 1955 that work was started on the Chapel. Upon completion of her artistic creation, Marguerite Brunswig Staude presented it to the St. John Vianney parish in Sedona and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix as a gift.

While there is a parking lot at the top of the hill next to the Chapel, my wife and I elected to park in one of the lower lots and walk up the hill absorbing the scenery as we went.

Upon reaching the top, we relaxed for a few moments outside the Chapel enjoying the view of the surrounding red rock mountains and the peace of the garden. Inside, the Chapel is simple and modern. A floor to ceiling window, divided into four panes by the huge cross, dominates the interior of the chapel and provides breathtaking backdrop for the altar. The chapel is not used for regular Sunday or daily Mass but is open daily and welcomes visitors who wish to sit in its pews and indulge in private meditation. Close

From journal A Sedona Inspiration

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by candycorey

Heidelberg, Virginia, Germany

May 18, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo What it is: The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most interesting sites in Sedona, bearing large cross that seemingly rises out of the surrounding red rock formations. The Chapel was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who studied ...Read more

From journal Weekend Escape to Scottsdale, Arizona & the Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by Emily Marie

Bronx, New York

January 15, 2006

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The Chapel offers great views of the red rocks. It was very spiritual, uplifting, and nonsectarian. There was a great gift shop that had many various religious items from around the world. They played soothing music, great for meditation, throughout ...Read more

From journal Memories of Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by Juliecroff02

Clinton Twp., Michigan

August 20, 2005

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It is a Catholic church that was built by a daughter for her parents. It is built into the rock and is a beautiful place to worship, sitting in the midst of these most amazing sights. It is easy to feel closer to the Lord and all of his works. They ...Read more

From journal Sedona, AZ: Red Rock Country

Driving and hiking around Sedona.

by Vagabondo

Arlington, Virginia

December 15, 2004

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Best of IgoUgo Depending on where you live and where you vacation, the landscape of Sedona can be as familiar as your commode or as alien as your mother-in-law's meatloaf. I was in Phoenix on a business trip in the spring of 2004, and as a side trip, my collegues ...Read more

From journal A Geologist's Dream, A Layman's Rocky Paradise

Chapel of the Cross

by Su2

Madison, New Hampshire

May 16, 2004

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You round the road and look up to find the chapel protruding from the rock. We were drawn to view it from the inside and were utterly amazed at the architect as we stood in the parking lot observing the exterior. Then as we entered the chapel area ...Read more

From journal Sedona Awakening

Sight-seeing

by Vicki Wilson

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

March 25, 2004

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Chapel Hill was amazing. It is very serene and beautiful. Lots of great opportunities for taking pictures. The history behind its building of the structure was very interesting, and the gift shop was very quaint.

From journal Week in Sedona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by samepenny

West, Texas

March 8, 2004

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Best of IgoUgo 928/828-4069. Combine the view of the red mountains of Sedona with an architecturally significant building and you have the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired building perches lightly on a very steep hilltop. The views are ...Read more

From journal Jerome AZ, Vortex, and Elder Hippies

Chapel of the Holy Cross

by cgolden

Cary, North Carolina

August 8, 2003

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This is a pretty little chapel. It won't take long to see, but worth a stop. It's free, though donations are accepted. There is a nice gift shop downstairs.

From journal A week in Sedona and beyond

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A Unique Architectural and Spiritual Marvel

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A Unique Architectural and Spiritual Marvel

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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Driving and hiking around Sedona.

Chapel of the Cross

Sight-seeing

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross