Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell

Today’s view of the neighborhood is the Chapel in the Dunes. On top of the highest dune in Port Aransas sits a tiny chapel. It was built in 1937 by Aline Carter who later became the Poet Laureate of Texas. It was in this chapel that Ms. Carter gave Bible lessons to the children of Port Aransas.

In the 1970’s Texas Artist John Cobb was inspired by Ms. Carter’s memory to paint the walls and ceiling of the chapel. His artistry along classic lines of the ancient biblical painters took over three years to finish.

So come with me on a tour.

We start with a long climb to the top of the dune

stairs to the Chapel

We see the chapel at the top

 

The woman to the right will give you an idea of the size of the chapel. Very tiny.

chapel

Inside there are several pews, and you can begin to see the result of John Cobb’s work. The altar in the center of scenes depicting the multiple religions of the world. You can also see that the floors made of pieces of granite cut in the Texas hill country and shipped to Port Aransas. The altar is solid marble.

Chapel

 

As you enter the Chapel facing the altar the walls on the left depict scenes from the Old Testament of the Bible and the right from the new.

Here is a sample of the left wall showing Adam and Eve and other stories.

Chapel

Here is the right. Although hard to see, New Testament events such as the coming of Christ are recreated.

Chapel

Here is a shot of the back wall.  This is a summary of faith with Christ (in the center above the door) holding the keys to heaven (left) and hell (right).

Chapel

 

The final shot is a thank you to our Docent Laura Davis for taking us on the tour.

Chapel

 

 

52 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood”

    1. So true. The quiet of the sanctuary is most inspiring. I couldn’t get a good picture but the Gulf is visible between the houses. When the chapel was built there were no buildings and it had a 360 degree view of the Gulf and bay. It must have been stunning.

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  3. What an incredible little chapel! Oh the stories it must hold! I’m captivated…but then, I love chapels — and visit them whenever or wherever I travel. Thank you for sharing this…

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  9. Thanks for sharing this lovely, little chapel. It reminds me of the teeny family chapels found on rural properties in the province of Quebec – built for private family prayer. Nice photography, John!

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      1. Thanks, John — the same to you. Yes, I have to give up my only telework day of the week, but at least I’m off. “Praise the company!” LOL — I’m suddenly reminded of a vintage Doctor Who episode on a planet ruled by a corporation. Every time a character mentioned the company they added “Praise the company!” I couldn’t find the best clip, but here’s one — hopefully without any political adds attached. More hugs.

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        1. I could not find the clip. The url opens into a whole host of different things. I like that “Praise the Company idea.” When I’m king mention my book “Praise His Revenge.”

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  15. I recently had the opportunity to visit a very old church in a village in Italy and there are frescos from long ago still on the walls and the ceiling. This church and it artistry reminds me of what I saw. It is amazing how artists in those days had no problems with painting their visions of what faith meant. Very positive visions that inspired and encouraged.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Shalom aleichem,
    Pat

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  16. I never knew of this…I live in Rockport, TX and my brother works for the City of Port Aransas…he may know of it. Can you tell me were it is exactly? At first I thought this was the Chapel in Conn Brown Harbor.

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    1. The chapel is located at 207 11th street. The museum offers a tour on the first Saturday of the month. The stairs are hard to find without a docent. Once you get up there the chapel is locked except for the first Saturday. Hope this helps.

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