View grace through Tiffany glass
Published: May, 2005
You’ve lived here for years and years, and still you come across little spots, streets, and sights you never knew existed.
The Bay Area is amazingly abundant in captivating places of interest, which is partly what makes us love living here so much. The Local’s Lounge will be featuring spots each month you may have heard of, but might not have made time to visit yet. Maybe our little reminder will prompt you to venture out and see what they are all about!
St. Peter’s Chapel
This stunning spot is located on Mare Island in Vallejo and is the oldest naval chapel in the United States. It was the Navy’s first non-denominational chapel and the first service was held there on October 6, 1901. It cost about $5,000 to build, which seems like nothing today but was definitely a chunk out of the pocketbook around the turn of the century!
The chapel is a fine example of American Gothic architecture, built to seat 2,000 people. It’s nestled among landscaped grounds that have been extensively and carefully manicured and are a pleasure to stroll through, but the real treat is inside.
At the request of Chaplin Adam McAlister, the Chaplin at the turn of the century, St Peter’s Chapel became home to 29 stained glass windows, 16 of which were particularly special. All of the windows were designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, but 16 in particular were signed by Tiffany Studios in New York. These priceless windows are a stunning collection of translucent glass, one of the largest in North America housed under one roof. The stained glass pieces are nicely offset by the delicately detailed brass wall plaques and the exquisitely hand-carved wooden tablets in the ceiling.
There have been ongoing efforts by the Daffodil Tea Committee to fund-raise for restoration costs for this precious chapel. On May 8, they will be holding the last Music in the Mansion in the historic Quarters H next door to the chapel. The musical group The Flutes of Fancy will perform Renaissance and Baroque pieces in period costumes of the time. The concert will be held in the afternoon, with tea and desserts served as well. So if you are looking for something to do with Mom that also supports a highly worthy cause, check our events calendar for further
