May 30, 2013
Island Moon
A 11
History continued from A1 The two crosses were small and modest, giving notice to all who ventured near that the small building was indeed a chapel. The two weathered crosses were removed and replaced with a new cross on the roof near the Chapel door. One of the original crosses presently sets in the window sill above the altar. There was an inscription over the door to the Chapel that is no longer there: COME LISTEN FOR THE WHISPERS OF GOD. Several people who recall the inscription or who have seen photographs of that inscription would love to see its return. There are some people who would like to see the dunes cleaned up a bit, not destroyed or changed radically, but tidied and pruned with perhaps a walking path. Some people think that a more level and comfortable path around the chapel would benefit both the structure of the Chapel and visitors who can more fully enjoy the grounds. The danger in making changes is that too many modifications alter the nature and identity of an original structure and surroundings. Unless, however, something is done to shore up the east side of the Chapel, it will likely begin to sink again, perhaps seriously damaging the Chapel. Should the natural landscape be judiciously pruned and provided a path so that visitors can enjoy the property fully. Should there be a bench or two outside so that visitors can appreciate the Chapel and dune? Where is the line between comfort and turning something into a fantasy land?
Sprucing Up the Chapel The small, white-colored pews currently facing the altar were not part of the original chapel. David Carter, who had owned the Chapel for many years, had those added years back to spruce up the Chapel and make the seating more permanent and traditional. The flagstone floor served as the initial seating arrangement. Aline later added mats for Bible study. Eventually, chairs were added as needed and then Carter added two rows of 3 modest, white-painted pews with blue fabric head rests. Each pew seats three people, so that 18 people can snugly sit at one time in the chapel. A few additional chairs are available for ‘large crowds’ of 20 to 25 people. Twenty two steps wind their way to the Chapel. It is not clear when the sand and stone steps, as they look today, were built. They are a quaint addition to the dune, though the visitor must exercise caution when walking up the steps, even if using the hand rail. The wood-bordered steps curve past the native grasses, flowers and cacti that blanket the dune, reaching the summit of the dune about 10 feet from the entrance to the Chapel. A large, prominent palm tree, not evident in older photographs, now covers half of the west side of the Chapel. It is the only tree on the dune. A lone floodlight tucked away in the dune grasses, illuminates the west side of the Chapel at night, giving it an attractive and subtle white glow.
white wedding gown, boots and spurs rode up the dune on a white horse where she found her groom anxiously waiting. During the ceremony some folks laughed and smiled, enjoying the event. The bride-to-be asked Frank if she could open one of the windows so that she could allow
A horseshoe from the famous wedding the horse to stick its head in the window. Frank obliged and the young lady placed her hand on the horse’s head through-out the ceremony. After the ceremony, she took off down the dunes on the horse, leaving the groom stunned and the onlookers startled. The assumption was that the young lady had actually married the horse. An old horse shoe rests in one of the alcoves inside the Chapel. The story goes that it is a horse shoe from the very horse that the young lady married. Hard to tell if it is or not and those who might know aren’t telling. It does make for a good story though and the horseshoe’s peculiar presence makes every visitor wonder about its purpose and history.
Marline Carter Lawson Presently, Marline Carter Lawson, one of Aline’s grandchildren (and one of Frank’s nieces), owns the Little Chapel on the Dunes. Frank lives next door and still keeps a watchful eye on it. The Port Aransas Museum conducts tours of the Chapel on the Dunes. Marline also has old and fond memories of the Chapel, especially, “playing in it as children.” How fortunate that she was to be able to play in The Chapel and observe her great aunt Aline’s enjoyment of it. When today many children make cardboard forts or mini-houses or carefully drape a blanket over two chairs, Marline was able to play in a 200 plus square foot Chapel. One of Marline’s favorite memories of the Chapel was “Being in the Chapel with my grandmother and having simple services.”
Marline’s Fond Memories
The Biggest Change The biggest change to the Chapel is what surrounds it. Once ringed with other dunes, grasses and empty space, it is now surrounded by blocks of homes of various designs and styles. Telephone lines and poles, light poles and more development fill the horizons. People and growth happened to Port Aransas and much of the pristine and expansive view of the Gulf was destroyed by new construction. What really changed the Chapel is what changed Port Aransas for better or worse and that was growth. The serene, rustic and slow fishing village once known as Ropesville, and then as Tarpon, had become Port Aransas. The secret was out and people from all over the state and beyond moved to Port Aransas. Yet with all of the construction over the years, one can still see patches of the blue Gulf waters from the peak of the dune. With few improvements and a couple of renovations the Chapel from the outside looks much like it did in 1938.
Elvis or Archangel Visitors’ eyes cannot help but be drawn to the frescoes on the ceiling. Rumors abound that a colorful image of Elvis Presley is prominently painted on the ceiling. Comical confusion and speculation about the Elvis Rumor no doubt linger because the image is not painted using the photo realism style and the dark, high hair style and pastel, minimalist face in the image leave a lot to the imagination. Is it Elvis? One of the archangels? Or is it Daniel’s vision of a monster? Or something else not yet discovered or entertained? Frank has heard those rumors countless times as well and he responded to them with a firm, “Absolutely not! It is one of the archangels!” Once you see the frescoes and the painting style you will probably agree with Frank that it is an archangel. Probably. Reality, like beauty, is in the eye or perception of the beholder. At the minimum, the Elvis story adds a little benign controversy and distinguishing allure to the Chapel.
A Strange Wedding in the Little Chapel on the Dunes Over the years many couples chose to get married in the Church on the Dunes. Its location, history, charm, and intimacy made it a perfect site for a small wedding. According to Frank there were many colorful and eventful weddings in the church, however, perhaps the most famous wedding happened years ago and is the topic of much controversy.
It is Unusual A young lady contacted the Carter family about getting married in the Church on the Dunes. According to Frank, the lady said, “I want to warn you now that it is unusual”, however, she offered no further explanation and the Carter family did not prompt her for more information or what she meant by unusual. When the wedding day arrived one of the largest wedding crowds ever assembled and waited for the ‘bride-to-be’ to arrive. The church was overflowing and the crowd waited patiently outside.
Leaving on the White Horse She Came in on Finally, the bride, resplendently dressed in a
Archangel or Elvis? Marline has fond memories of Aline Carter as well, “She was a very spiritual person. Everything about her [Aline] was giving. She combined faith, religion, and science. She had lots of interesting talents. She also taught astronomy at The Witte Museum in San Antonio.” Everybody who knew Aline commented on her spirituality, her giving, and her varied talents. Marline mentioned Aline’s giving, “Aline helped the less fortunate. She taught people in jails how to read. She was the most giving and selfless person I ever came across.” Marline also fondly remembers Aline’s typical dress; a white chiffon dress well below the knees and a white wide brimmed hat. Marline added, “The Chapel was her favorite place to go in the world.” It is easy to see why as it helped meet her need for a place to reflect, to recharge and to rededicate herself. Years ago, there was very little city noise, except the sound of waves lapping at the shore and birds calling out. The view was unmatched. When asked about weddings in the Chapel, Marline responded that there are occasional weddings in the Chapel. There has never been a fee for using the Chapel because, “Aline would not have wanted that.”
Restoration of the Little Chapel on the Dunes David Carter had the Chapel renovated around 1998, taking care of a handful of repairs and updates that modernized the Little Chapel. Several repairs needed to be made to the Chapel to keep it from falling into disrepair. The frescoes remained and the Little Chapel was as good as new. Time passed quicker than anybody could imagine and the formidable forces of weather, sun and erosion had again distinctly damaged the Chapel. The foundation had cracks on the east side and the door and the wood frames around the windows were completely ruined and needed replacement. Erosion around the base of The Chapel was reaching dangerous levels. The outside paint was profoundly weather beaten and the roof was shot. Marline knew that the work needed to be done so she hired Steven Barron to help give it a facelift and prevent any further damage to the Chapel.
Barron and Krumm Three years ago Steven and his very talented and knowledgeable carpenter friend and Port Aransas neighbor Randy Krumm from Dripping Springs, embarked on the refurbishing. Steven readily gives credit to Randy, who, “…is a very good builder and had every tool needed.” As a team they, “…loved doing it.” Stephen continues that it was, “A labor of love”. The refurbishing specifically included the installation of a new roof by Top Gun Roofing,
painting the outside of the Chapel, replacing rotted wood around the door and the windows (quite the tricky task), re-welding of the Bell Tower (Steve Kelley), and shoring up the foundation. They also milled and stained the original door to the Chapel and then installed it. Steven Barron enjoyed being an important part of the Chapel’s history, especially taking the role of helping to extend the life of the Chapel and giving it the opportunity to touch more visitors. “It was spiritually uplifting and gratifying. It was very special. I took it personally.” offered Barron. After reflecting about the renovation at the Chapel, Barron offered, “I The newer Marriage Ceremony fresco. had the most satisfaction from the Little Chapel on the Dunes job.” To to help repair and renovate The Little Chapel this day Barron considers, “It is one of my rewards.” and “It was the culmination on the Dunes. Randy inarguably brought keen of my spiritual experiences.” It is a powerful wood working experience (he learned the craft reminder about the gift of giving and how from his dad), a wealth of tools and a positive attitude to the renovation. He recently summed much humans receive when they give. up the condition of the Chapel as, “There was The Little Chapel still gleams from the work a lot of rot in the walls and woodwork. The that Steven and Randy did. The polished curved window frames needed to be replaced. woodwork proudly stands out, especially in We special ordered mahogany and custom contrast to the colorful frescoes. The woodwork made the wood frames.” and frescoes manage to work well together. Regarding the Chapel, Krumm is another The original refurbished door adds character and reflects an older style of wood working. person touched by the Chapel, “It has such The charcoal colored new roof makes the white significance to Port Aransas and it has historical stucco even more brilliant, especially during value. It has a special place in my heart. It was great to be chosen to work in it.” In fact, after sunrise and sunset. Krumm worked on it, his son, also touched by Randy Krumm was invited by Steven Barron the Chapel, was married in it.”