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:
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:
Hours:
The property is accessible at all times, the chapel is only open for tours or private events.
There are no public facilities on the property.
Chapel On The Dunes Photo Gallery
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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.
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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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