I never knew about this chapel until recently, which is truly odd, because as far as I'm concerned, Yosemite is the most beautiful place on earth. I've been throughout New England, parts of the midwest and southwest, even Europe (which I adore) and nothing compares. I've never been a religious person, but when I think of a God, I've always associated him/her/it with Yosemite, for something so miraculous could never be so arbitrary.
For those of you that don't know, Yosemite National Park is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in east central California. It is filled with massive redwood trees, flawless meadows, waterfalls, and a valley filled with some of the most amazingly shaped mountains known to man. It is truly nature's most glorious pearl.
Yosemite Valley
The 130 year old New England style chapel is now the oldest structure in Yosemite. It was designed in 1879 by San Francisco architect Charles Geddes, and built by Samuel Thompson for a mere $3000.00. It was initially located in what was called the "lower village" and it was moved in 1901 as the old village's population dwindled.
It has survived several floods which commonly plague the Sierras in winter, and received a new foundation in both 1965 and 1997. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
An early photo of the church, time unknown
When you look at it, it's really a very simple chapel; nothing out of the ordinary. It is what surrounds it that is extraordinary. And to me, the perfect place for a wedding. Of course, what could be more perfect than Yosemite?
Did Kassandra and Cameron ever make it to the little chapel in the Sierras? Guess you'll have to read the book to find out!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment