I recently attended the wedding of two former students that took place at the Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs, Arkansas, designed by Maurice Jennings, a former partner of Fay Jones. The influence of Jones’ celebrated Thorncrown Chapel is evident, but Jennings definitely takes the idea one step further. Situated in the Garvan Woodland Gardens, the chapel is carefully sited with a view towards Hamilton Lake. The architecture is clearly commuting with nature, and there is a beautiful, dappled light within the structure.
Lee and Amy had made several trips to Hot Springs before choosing to hold the wedding there, even though no one lived nearby. Hot Springs is a resort town that enjoyed its hey-day in the 1930s, with a beautiful main street, spa springs and scenic surroundings. The combination of the lovely old town and the chapel itself tipped the couple’s decision to have their wedding there. It was an amazing event and many of their friends had come in from points around the country. Eight of the twelve in the bridal party had been my students (four had been TAs), and it was great fun for me to see Lee and Amy so happy and surrounded by friends and family that care so much about them.
After the ceremony, it was hard not to reflect on the power of architecture, and its ability to create an occasion. What drew us all to Hot Springs was the architecture. People come from all over the world to use this chapel and, as such, it’s actually quite an economic generator for the community. It helps the town survive. But also, it creates the setting for hundreds of wonderful, memorable events every year. Again, this is what architecture does! It is not only important what a building is, but what it does and how it enriches people’s lives.
The chapel has a fascinating, complex framing utilizing a 3-D steel joint that becomes a 3-D wood truss, and this form is repeated from end to end of the 57-foot high structure. The result is a delicate, intricate ceiling, one that seems to lift itself up like branches of a tree.
The gardens were the vision and gift of Verna Garvan; she commissioned Fay Jones to do the site plan for the gardens (including the chapel) as well as to design and build a nearby polygonal pavilion (below). Jennings, who took over Jones’ office, was then commissioned in 2004 to complete Anthony Chapel. The passion of both architects for nature, light and structure is what makes this such an elegant and uplifting place.
The day all came together beautifully: the setting, the stunning spring weather, the building, the friends and family, and the ceremony. What a spectacular and memorable occasion!
Thank You!