As a meditator I am enthralled with quiet. Sometimes it’s the actual absence of noise, others it’s a space metaphorically or physically that can transport me to that quiet place. The physical space that can do this for me is what I want to talk about here. And while these spaces aren’t always dedicated as spiritual space, in this particular case I want to talk…Chapels. In trying to understand what it is about certain chapels that really move me, I’m not sure I can put my finger on it. I do know that one element that draws me is the light. The other, the absence of “stuff”. And, in all cases A Little Bit of Beauty™. My first post about spiritual architecture was about the very organic looking Sea Ranch Chapel, where I was married in 2005.
Here is a look at three other very modern chapels I’ve recently come across that to me seem to be a place of inspiration and quiet.
First, the Rothko Chapel, located in Houston, TX; they have two tenants: contemplation and action. It caters to religious ceremonies of all faiths, and the experience and understanding of all traditions is available. They support human rights, so, the Chapel has also become a place to rally for people promoting peace, freedom, and social justice. On the plaza, Barnett Newman‘s Broken Obelisk, stands in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Broken Obelisk in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.-Rothko Chapel
Mark Rothko‘s modernist chapel houses 14 of his paintings. It is a quiet, non-denominational space commissioned by Houston philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil. Rothko’s work always seems to have a depth to it that is easy to get lost in, no matter what color scheme he uses. Here, purple indigo, the color of the third eye, and a great color to move one into meditation is particularly inviting to me.
Meditation in front of Rothko Paintings in Rothko Chapel
Second, is the Interfaith Peace chapel, or the Church of Hope, a congregation of the Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas. While the chapel is designed for all faiths, and all people, it has a predominantly gay and lesbian membership led by a Rev. Jo Hudson, because:
“This is still Texas, and there are people out there who have issues with homosexuality. But across the board, it’s never been an issue with the building of this church. A lot of people came together to make it happen.” Cunningham
That sentiment alone makes this chapel a beautiful space in my mind!
Model for the Church of Hope
Philip Johnson, the amazing architect of this building, and who was open about his own homosexuality at the beginning of the 20th century, would have been proud of the building he called his greatest achievement. In one of his last interviews before his death, Johnson said,
“This is a building I’ve waited all my life to build. It will be my memorial.”
and a fitting memorial and place of quiet acceptance it is for sure.
interior shot in the Cathedral of Hope
the Church of Light
area for contemplation, Church of Light
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14 Comments
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I love the way “space” influences “awareness” (or distraction).
This is a great visual narrative!
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Author
Glad you like Mark, thanks for stopping by!
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Thank you for this beautiful reflection. I came upon today which happens to be a very significant day for me.
Michael Butler
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There are no coincidences are there Michael? Thanks for stopping by and Happy significant day, hope this was supportive
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I was searching for a Mark Rothko image, and stumbled into your little chapel/collection of the non-denominational spiritual space. I am also working toward a similar goal, something my friend Amit likes to call ‘enligtened buildings’ We have put the concept on the back burner for too long now. Thank you for the motivation to be on this track again.
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Oh John, that’s my goal in blogging. If this helps to motivate you in some way I am very happy. Keep me posted. I’d love to see what you do. Namaste
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[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Deborah Merriam, Stacey Cornelius. Stacey Cornelius said: RT @IreneTurner: Do you like architecture? Here are three fabulous Chapels that inspire quietude! http://ow.ly/42MeQ […]
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