Chapel On The Dunes

High on a sand dune overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Port Aransas, there is a little white Chapel, the oldest functional consecrated church on the Island. Built on one of the highest points in Port Aransas and overlooking the ocean, the outside of the chapel is striking.

Known locally as the Chapel on the Dunes, it was built between 1937 and 1938 by Aline B. Carter who was called the “White Angel” because of her flowing, white organdy dresses and loving service to the community. Aline commissioned her friend and noted San Antonian artisan Ethel Wilson Harris, of Mission San Jose Pottery and Arts and Crafts Division of the Works Progress Administration, to construct the chapel. The altar and tile work were based on drawings designed by Aline. While attending Wellesley College, Aline received musical instruction for the harp at the Boston Conservatory as well as artistic training at the Eric Pape School of Art in Boston. Aline referred to her chapel as the Chapel of Eternal Light due her love of the morning light from the gulf and the sunset light from the bay shining through the small windows.

The picturesque historic Chapel on the Dunes captivates artists and photographers alike. The family encourages and welcomes creative enthusiasts to paint, draw, or photograph the little chapel. Please feel free to share your inspirations with them (email 2MB or larger files to main@chapelonthedunes.com). They ask all those visiting to please be mindful of other guests, visitors, weddings and tours. Additionally, they ask all to preserve the natural dune landscape and not walk on the dune grass and sea oats.

The Port Aransas Museum offers free guided chapel tours every first and third Saturday of each month starting at 9:15 a.m.  Additional times may also be available on request.  Please make reservations with the Museum at (361) 749-3800 one day ahead (before 4:00 p.m.).   If you feel inclined to give a donation, we suggest donating to the Port Aransas Museum.

Where it is:

The Chapel on the Dunes is located on Mustang Island in  Port Aransas Texas in a residential area at 203 South 11th Street . While built on private property, the Chapel is situated on top of a beautiful sand dune behind the main house on the property.

203 11th St. Port Aransas, TX 78373

Maps:

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.

 

in 1972, artist John Patrick Cobb painted the whitewashed interior with inspiring murals that still inspire awe upon entry. The murals are Biblical in nature, with the New Testament depicted on the north wall and the Old Testament represented on the South wall.

GPS:

27°49’42.336″ N 97°3’33.906″ W

Cost:

The family wishes everyone to enjoy the little chapel and never have an obligation to pay for a tour. If you feel inclined to give a donation, we suggest donating to the Port Aransas Museum.

Hours:

The property is accessible at all times, the chapel is only open for tours or private events.

Facilities:

There are no public facilities on the property.

 

Location Contact Information:

Weddings
For all questions regarding Chapel rentals (weddings, ceremonies, etc.) please email us at:
Marsha Starkey
(361) 749-3591
reservations@starkeyproperties.com

Museum Tours
For all questions about Chapel Tours please contact:
Port Aransas Museum
Cliff Strain, Director
Community Center Complex
101 E Brundrett at N Alister
P.O. Box 677
Port Aransas, Texas 78373
361-749-3800
director@portaransasmuseum.org

Miscellaneous
For general questions about the history, property and website errors please contact:
(Note: this email is not associated with tours or bookings.  Please contact the museum for tours.)
Main@chapelonthedunes.com

 Chapel On The Dunes Photo Gallery

Click Here for full page gallery

 

More Photographic Destinations in Texas

Interactive Google Map

Use the map  + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views.  Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.

Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State 

 

All the information in this post was believed to be accurate at the time it was published.  Please be sure to double check with the location before relying on this information as everything changes over time, especially hours, prices, and whether the location is still open.  

Great Places for Great Photos

 

Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure.  I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography.  I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination.  I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip.  I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!

 
 

Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country.  Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.

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