Yosemite Valley Chapel
Yosemite Valley Chapel is now the oldest structure that is in public use in Yosemite National Park. The Chapel was built in 1879 and is on the National Register of Historic Places in Mariposa County. The architect was Charles Geddes, a leading architect from San Francisco, and E. Thomson of San Francisco built the structure at a cost between $3000 and $4000. The Chapel is located at the coordinates 37° 44′ 27″ N, 119° 35′ 26″ W and will seat about 250 people. The original location of the Chapel was near the base of the Four Mile Trail, about a mile from its current location.
In 1887, a memorial service was held in the Chapel on the death of President Grant. The organist for that occasion was Sir Arthur Sullivan, a collaborator with Sir William Gilbert in the famous Gilbert and Sullivan light operas. Sullivan was visiting the valley and was asked to participate in the service.
The Yosemite Valley Chapel was given Historic American Building status by the National Park Service in 1965. The Chapel continues to serve as a place of worship for both residents and visitors.
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