The Stations of the Cross Trail ends at what will be the site of the Chapel of the Transfiguration. This elevated clearing provides a 220-degree view of Blackwell’s Hollow and the mountains, atop which sits Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.

 

We hope to have the chapel complete by the Feast of the Transfiguration in August of 2027.

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We are honored to be led in this process by Jim O'Brien of the architectural firm of O'Brien & Keane (St.Thomas More Cathedral - Arlington, VA, Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral - Raleigh, NC, Chapel of Christ the King - Front Royal, VA). With Jim's amazing knowledge of church architecture, history, liturgy, and modern construction techniques, we were guided through a creative process that has resulted in what we believe is an ideal design for a private chapel in the mountains of Virginia. The aesthetic is reminiscent of a European country chapel, which one might stumble across while on a hike through the mountains.

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On the exterior, stone construction will give the structure a sense of permanence and its height will lift the soul to God. The chapel will face east, out of respect for tradition and also to avoid any distractive views as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered ad

orientem. Inside, the space will be roughly the size of The Porziuncola Chapel in Assisi, and will seat 12-15 people.

 

Interior finishes for the reredos, communion rail, and liturgical furnishings will be a combination of wood, metal, and limestone, and will embrace the rustic nature of the property and strive to provide a sense of timelessness to the space.

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After prayerfully considering the many options for a key theme for a “mountainside”

chapel, we decided on the Transfiguration of Christ as our central focal point. We hope

that people for generations will meditate on our transfigured Lord, His discussion with

Moses and Elijah, and the reactions and responses of three young men -- Peter, James, and John, to this remarkable event. We hope, too, that people will consider the time when we too, “shall see face to face” (1 Cor 13:12) our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

The wall facing “liturgical east” will feature a stained glass window depicting The

Transfiguration, with three separate lancets and supporting kites capturing the entire

scene. In addition, the side walls of the chapel will contain a total of twelve additional

stained glass windows. Each of those will reference one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit,

and will highlight a saint that we believe epitomizes that particular fruit. We are pleased to be working with Mr. Joseph Beyer on the stained glass. Joe, and the talented artists in his studio, will be developing a cohesive set of windows in the Pre-Raphaelite tradition, which we think fits extremely well with the overall aesthetic of the chapel.

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Many more details remain to be finalized, but we hope to break ground on construction in the Spring of 2026.

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