Garvan Woodland Gardens, Benefactors Break Ground on Chapel

The Anthony Chapel will feature a soaring 57' ceiling and views of Lake Hamilton.

Hot Springs, Ark. - Garvan Woodland Gardens will break ground on a new architectural landmark for the state of Arkansas at 11 a.m. today. The $3.4 million chapel complex, designed by Fayetteville firm Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects, will complement the natural beauty of the University of Arkansas' 210-acre botanical gardens in Hot Springs.

"When we drafted the master plan for the Gardens in 1998, we set aside this land for something special. The site selected for the chapel will offer spectacular views of Lake Hamilton," said Bob Byers, Garvan Woodland Gardens director of operations.

Benefactors at today's ceremonial groundbreaking include Hot Springs residents John Ed and Isabel Anthony, who announced a $1 million contribution in December 2003 to construct the chapel that will carry their name. Bob and Sunny Evans, also of Hot Springs, who have committed $800,000 to the chapel project for construction of the Evans Sanctuary and the Evans Groom's Quarters and an additional $500,000 to build the Evans Children's Garden, scheduled to open in the spring of 2006. Hot Springs couple Betty and Leon Millsap recently donated $500,000 to fund construction of the Betty and Leon Millsap Bridal Hall. Dick and Carol Pratt of Lake Village and Hot Springs have donated property; the proceeds from its sale on Oct. 14 will support the chapel project.

"All gifts have helped make this chapel a reality. We've had extraordinary support and interest in this project," said Garvan Woodland Gardens executive director David Davies.

Vice Chancellor for University Advancement G. David Gearhart said: "The construction of the Anthony Chapel will be a stunning addition to the already beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens. We'd like to thank all our benefactors to this project for their private gift support. It enables this botanical resource to remain a major attraction for the University of Arkansas and Hot Springs."

The Millsap Bridal Hall

The 160-seat chapel will be the focal point of a three-building complex that includes separate changing quarters for a bride and groom and their attendants. The wood, stone and glass chapel with its 57-foot ceiling also will accommodate musical performances, memorial services and other events. When not being utilized by wedding attendants, the 1,560-square-foot Millsap Bridal Hall will provide the Gardens with much needed meeting space for up to 40 people and will contain a full kitchen to accommodate catering needs. The third building in the complex, the 1,000-square-foot Evans Groom's Quarters, will provide space for signing marriage licenses and an office for the on-site wedding coordinator and docent.

With its soaring vertical space, native materials and extensive glazing, the Anthony Chapel recalls the famous Thorncrown Chapel located outside of Eureka Springs that was designed by Fay Jones, the recently deceased founding principal at Jones + Jennings, which preceded Jennings + McKee. Thorncrown Chapel has won numerous awards and honors, notably recognition by members of the American Institute of Architects as one of the top five buildings of the 20th century. Maurice Jennings + David McKee Architects have continued to develop the firm's reputation for exceptional chapel design, most recently earning an Honor Citation in 2004 from the AIA Gulf States region and a 2003 Honor Award from the Arkansas AIA chapter for their design of the Chapel of the Apostles at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.

This architect's rendering shows an aerial view of the chapel complex.

The total cost of the chapel complex is estimated to be $3.4 million. Approximately 70 percent of the funds have been raised towards the development. More than $1 million remains to be raised to fund construction of the entire complex. An additional $500,000 will be raised to permanently endow the project, ensuring future operational viability. The Anthony Chapel fund-raising appeal provides various giving opportunities for individual and family participation. Based on the amount of a contribution, donors will receive various forms of recognition for their generosity that will be permanently associated with the Anthony Chapel. For information about the chapel complex or Garvan Woodland Gardens, call Development Director Bob Bledsoe at (501) 262-9610 or (800) 366-4664.