HistoryThe first conception came to Marguerite Bruswig Staude in 1932 in New York City while observing the newly constructed Empire State Building. When viewed from a certain angle a cross seemed to impose itself through the very core of the structure. She wanted to build a structure that would glorify her Creator and in thanksgiving for all that her family had received. She traveled throughout Europe looking for the ideal location. She returned to the United States and while her and her husband Tony traveled through Sedona, she was struck by the beauty of the area and decided that this chapel should be built here. . “This would be a monument to faith, but a spiritual fortress so charged with God, that it spurs man's spirit godward".
Built on a twin pinnacled spur about 250 feet high, jutting out of a thousand foot red rock wall, "solid as the Rock of Peter" the building of the Chapel was completed in April 1956. Just the physical construction was a physical miracle, overcoming difficult conditions to construct this chapel.
The message of the Chapel "That the Church may come to life in the souls of men and be a living reality is renewed and observed each day. Even as we speak it invites all to come to spend time to get connected with their creator.
The Diocese of Phoenix and St John Vianney parish has maintained and administered the Chapel since 1969. We are only caretakers of this most spiritual structure, where all are welcomed to come, meditate, pray and be reconnected with their Creator. We are here to pass this on to those who come after, so the Chapel may glorify the great gifts God has given us. In our transient exsistence, in good times and bad, we are here to be united with all in faith and purpose. To live in peace and unity with all our brothers and sisters .
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