Beneath the charming exterior lies a story of faith. It also reveals a commitment to interfaith understanding at the Chapel of Our Lady.
This chapel began as the Presidio’s first house of worship. The U.S. Army built it in 1864. Generations of military personnel attended services here. It was a non-denominational site then.
Now, fast forward to today. The Chapel of Our Lady is a favorite San Francisco wedding destination. It also hosts memorial services and small cultural events. It is perfect for other gatherings too. The hand-painted beams frame a stunning arched feature. The wall has glass windows behind the altar. The views include eucalyptus and foliage.
In 1931, Congress gave the Army money to build the current chapel. The charming building sits on a forested hillside. It overlooks the San Francisco Bay. The veterans’ cemetery and a colorful garden flank it. The sanctuary seats 175 people. It displays no religious symbol other than an eternal light. Plaques honoring fallen military Americans adorn the walls.
Rita Semel said the U.S. Army personnel were smart. They knew families of different faiths were stationed at the Presidio. They needed a chapel to serve everyone.
The Presidio Interfaith Center was born in 1995. It provides Celebrations, guest lectures, conferences, and workshops. These take place throughout the year. The Interfaith Center is also popular for interfaith weddings.
For each war since World War II, the Chapel of Our Lady has honored those who have fallen. When an area was designated for casualties of the Vietnam War, controversy arose. This was due to anti-Vietnam War sentiments in San Francisco. It is believed to be the first military base to honor those involved in the Vietnam War.
Another key ingredient here is its unique artwork. In 1935, artist Victor Arnautoff painted a 34-foot mural. It depicts peacetime activities of the Army and early Presidio history. The mural was received with great enthusiasm. It is as dramatic today as it was in 1935. It is located on the wall of a reception area near the sanctuary.
In addition to the mural, the Chapel of Our Lady highlights 11 stained glass symbols. Willemina Ogterop created them. She was the first female artist accepted into a stained glass union on the West Coast. Each piece honors a virtue of military character.
The McDonald Windows Project is one of the most fascinating artistic works. In 1944–45, U.S. Army chaplain Frederick Alexander McDonald visited sanctuaries. These had been blown up during World War II. He picked up shards of stained glass. They came from destroyed churches and synagogues across Europe. McDonald, his family, and fellow artist Armelle Le Roux created 25 new stained glass windows. All have the imprint of Fred McDonald’s specific memories. He recalled collecting what remained of houses of worship devastated by war.
Today, the Chapel of Our Lady stands as a testament to faith. It also shows art and history. It serves as a beacon of interfaith peace. It honors those who have served. It also commemorates those who have died in service to our democracy.