The Chapel at Bella Vista

Driving south from Missouri on US Hwy. 71, I took Exit 98 at Bella Vista, AR. I traveled a mere two blocks east into a different world. Gone was the hustle and hurry of cars and trucks intent on getting to their destination. Instead, I found the quiet and solitude of the Ozarks woods.

I pulled into the parking lot and gathered keys and camera then started toward the sign pointing to the Chapel. As I left my vehicle, the smells of exhaust and asphalt fought for dominance against the spring woods and earth. A few steps onto the path and the woods won. The odor of damp earth naturally mulched by fallen oak leaves filled the air.

The path diverged. One way led to the Office and on through the woods to the small lake. The other way led to the Chapel. That day, I followed the way to the chapel. Blooming redbud and dogwood trees splashed their vivid fuchsia and white among the green tinged grays of the oak trees. A few pines sent their heady aroma wafting toward me. The first unfurling leaves of spring struggled to open. Then coming over a small rise I spied the Chapel.

Designed by architect E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and schooled in the principles of Organic Architecture (designing to fit the environment), the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel was built to honor the wife of John A. Cooper, Sr. Mrs. Cooper's deep spirituality and love of nature prompted her family to commission the Chapel to honor and celebrate her life and her dedication to God and his creation. The chapel, designed and created by the mind of man, fits perfectly into the natural scene which surrounds it.

The Chapel is open to visitors daily and available for weddings and other special occasions, but there is no need to wait for an event. Whenever you are weary of the busy world, walk a few yards and connect with the quiet, natural beauty of God's world. The walls of windows give an air of openness to the surrounding Ozarks and heights of the steel arches give lofty access to the Creator.I walked through the massive arched door. Soft music greeted me and I felt as though I were still outside. Church pews created an aisle up the the flagstone floor to the stage. Piano and organ flanked the glass arch on the far wall. I settled in and allowed my mind to wander. I contemplated the beauty of Spring, the greatness of the universe and the smallness of the earth. I meditated on God's love of Man and me in particular.

After a time, I moved to the stage to look through the arched glass. As far as I could see, the Ozarks forest engulfed me. I could neither see nor hear the cars and trucks on the highway. I saw birds and squirrels busy with life in the wild. I watched trees sway in the wind. I searched for wildflowers among the barrenness of leftover winter. I felt at peace.

Too soon, time called me back to my journey. I, too, had places to go, people to see and things to accomplish. However, I carried the serenity of the Chapel with me. Often, as I travel south into Arkansas, I remember my time there and the serenity returns.

Whether you are looking for a unique place to hold a wedding or other occasion or merely need a place for meditation, contemplation and prayer, the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel at Bella Vista, AR, a tribute to a man's God given genius and inspired by a family's love, is a quiet oasis in a noisy world.