St. Joan Of Arc Chapel Is A Sacred Slice Of History And It's Right Here In Wisconsin
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Hidden gems aren’t always tucked away in remote locales – and that’s exactly the case with St. Joan of Arc Chapel, which is located on the Marquette University campus. The charming chapel was added to the campus in the 1960s, but its history goes all the way back to medieval France. Take a look:
It may be the smallest building on campus, but it’s also the most striking.
Built around 1420, the chapel was originally located in the French village of Chasse in the Rhone Valley, which is southeast of Lyon. Dating back to the early 15th century, it’s by far the oldest building in Milwaukee.
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After centuries of use, the church fell into disrepair. Word of the chapel eventually reached Gertrude Hill Gavin, a Joan of Arc aficionado. Gavin, who came from a wealthy family, bought the chapel and had it dismantled and shipped to her home on Long Island.
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Aiming to honor the chapel’s original style, Gavin hired an expert in medieval French-style stained glass to design the windows for the chapel.
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Once in possession of the chapel, Gavin made a few updates. First, she received permission from Pope Pius XI to hold mass in the chapel. The pope’s written consent is hanging in the chapel to this day.
Gavin also purchased the original 13th-century gothic altar that’s in the church. Possibly the most amazing addition, though, is the Joan of Arc Stone, which Gavin bought and had installed in the wall behind the altar. Featuring a French endorsement of authenticity, the stone is believed to have been touched and kissed by Joan herself.
Gavin also purchased the original 13th-century gothic altar that’s in the church. Possibly the most amazing addition, though, is the Joan of Arc Stone, which Gavin bought and had installed in the wall behind the altar. Featuring a French endorsement of authenticity, the stone is believed to have been touched and kissed by Joan herself.
Just days before the Rojtmans were set to move into their new home, it was destroyed by a fire. Surprisingly, the little chapel survived the blaze unscathed. Wanting to ensure the chapel endured, the Rojtmans sought a new location for it and decided Marquette was perfect.
After being carefully removed and meticulously marked, the pieces of the chapel were loaded onto a fleet of 18-wheelers and transported to Milwaukee. By 1966, the chapel was reassembled and open for worship once again.
When classes are in session, mass is held at 12 p.m. Monday – Friday and at 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday. St. Joan of Arc Chapel can be toured Monday – Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sundays, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
For more information, call (414) 288-6873. You can also visit the Marquette University website or chapel’s Facebook page.
Did you know about Joan of Arc Chapel? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another chapel that oozes historic charm? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the state’s only unique site. Read about another here.
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St. Joan of Arc Chapel, 1421 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA