ON THE ROCKS- AN INWARD JOURNEY 

Article and Photos by Annemarie Eveland 

I stood spellbound on the famous red rocks – a thick layer of red to orange-colored sandstone. I have learned that this is the only area where this sandstone is found. The uniqueness of their formations and the blazing colors of their pigment are paled by the structure that now sits atop them. Yes, I am in Sedona (the origin of the town’s name deserves another writing.) 

I have driven other times to Sedona, intending to stop at this place but got distracted by the myriad of wonderful artistic endeavors in equally distracting boutiques and stopping to imbibe in tasty restaurant morsels. 

But this trip, I coaxed my travel gal friend to stop, and we turned off and headed up Chapel Road. Soon the destination that I desired came into view. I craned my neck to get a glimpse of it.  The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits mountainside atop massive rock formations and juts out of a thousand-foot solid red rock wall. The incredible 250-foot height of this creation is awesome.  It is said it was built to follow the words of Christ to Peter, “Thou are rock and upon this rock, I will build my church.”

But the story of this impressive chapel goes back to Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local sculptor and rancher. She got the vision and inspiration after seeing the construction of the Empire State Building in 1932. It was years later that she hired the architect Richard Hein and Architect August Strotz to collaborate on the project. Since the chapel was to be built on National Forest land, it was a daunting undertaking to get permission to use the land from the Forest Department. It was made possible with the support of the late Senator Barry Goldwater who helped her get a special use permit from the Forest Division. Under Fred Courkos, construction supervisor, the chapel was completed in 1½ years in April of 1956 for $300.000.

The walkway up to the chapel is a wide smooth cement walkway with the enclosed side walls being an aggregate of stones and colored cement. Easy for walking, good for pivoting strollers, wheelchairs, and toddlers’ little footsteps. Pets are requested not to enter the chapel. Also, food and drinks are not permitted inside. The atmosphere of entering the Chapel is respectful and reverent silence.

The Holy Cross Chapel welcomes several million pilgrims and tourists yearly who come to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and the peacefulness that permeates the chapel.   

When I visited, I was struck by the sweet somberness and gentle movements of all who entered, as well as the heat from the hundreds of vigil lights that had been lit with prayers from visitors. When I gazed up at this bronze 250’ form of Jesus Christ hanging from the cross, I could not help but feel the strong importance of the sacredness and the journey of inner peace here. As I knelt at the altar, I felt humbled and safe at the same time. Then I stood in the bronze footprints in front of the altar. As I looked up and saw that the crucified figure was looking down at me (and anyone who stood there) with such compassion, it brought tears to my eyes. It was like feeling an image of hope for our humanity. 

Some people may not have a religion they are aligned with nor profess a certain dogma, but from what I saw of the varied people, races, ages, and religions that came to this little chapel in the mountains this morning, I would say that the experience certainly touches them and somehow, in some way, they leave with a feeling of being lifted up for having visited. 

The Chapel has a gift shop downstairs that includes original artwork done by local artists and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week as well. Parking is limited. Park on the right side of the roadway. No RVs or trailers. Golf carts assist people up to the chapel ramp if you don’t wish to walk. Porta-potties are located at the bottom of the hill. 

USA Today rates this Chapel as #1 of the 10 best attractions in Sedona to visit. For more information and times of religious services, www: chapeloftheholycross.org or by phone at (928)282-4069. 

As you exit the chapel and see the breathtaking surrounding Sedona red rock scenery, breathe in the clean refreshing air and notice all the natural beauty for your eyes to behold. And let your cares be further away, just for this day during your visit to beautiful, historic, and magical Sedona.