Meditation is good for the body and soul. When serene surroundings are added, the experience becomes even deeper. Now add wood, glass and nature and time stands still.
E. Fay Jones may not be a household name or even one that many people recognize. Yet, his creations bring peace and harmony to many thousands of visitors on a regular basis.
Many years ago we visited the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, MS; home to the Pinecote Pavilion. This structure was one of many designed by Jones. For us the beauty was not so much standing in the structure, but standing across the water and viewing the structure. That is where we found peace and harmony. At the time we knew the designer used principles of Frank Lloyd Wright, but did not pay much attention to the name of that architect.
Recently, we visited two other chapels designed by Jones. Now not only are his creations but also his name is familiar to us. Both of these chapels are in northwest Arkansas in rural settings. Thorncrown Chapel is in Eureka Springs and Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is in Bella Vista.
Thorncrown Chapel is on land Jim Reed purchased to build his retirement dream home. So many people stopped by his property to view the Ozark hills that Jim decided to build a chapel in the woods for travelers.
Thorncrown Chapel
The Cooper family had the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel built to honor the life of Mildred B. Cooper as well as her many contributions to society. The hope of the family is that the chapel will bring inspiration to visitors just as Mrs. Cooper did to the lives she touched. Adding to the peacefulness of the chapel and area, the Cooper chapel has a walking path around the chapel through the woods with views of a lake.
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Sitting quietly in these chapels watching the leaves swaying in the wind, birds flying by, and sun rays through the glass does bring not only inspiration but also peace and harmony.
Peace, serenity, self-awareness, a chance to get in touch with your higher power along with beauty of these structures make them worth the stop.
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel showing nature’s beauty
Outside walls of Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Sun shining through the roof of Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Walking path around Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Thorncrown interior
Thorncrown ceiling area
Thorncrown showing nature’s beauty
Beautiful! Thorncrown Chapel and Fay Jones are well-known to the architects of the world! I’ve been to the one in Mississippi, but not the ones in Arkansas. The Cooper Chapel reminds me very much of Salisbury Cathedral, but of wood instead of stone. Soaring and peaceful.
The ones we have seen are all peaceful and beautiful. Is this Karen from LSU? If so, great to hear from you.