The elegant chapel for 32 was designed as a major addition to the Chestnut HIll Center for Men and completed in December, 2013. The overall design theme was inspired by the low arch found extensively in the original mansion. This motif was used in the projecting upper portion of the four walls which are supported by heavily carved mahogany corbels.
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The three new stained glass windows are originals designed for this chapel and depict three scenes in the life of Our Lady: The Incarnation; the Visitation; and, the Nativity. They are backlit at night. The reredos wall contains an oil copy of Murillo’s “Flight into Egypt.” Flanking this painting are original oils of St. Raphael and St. Michael installed over the twin credence tables.
The altar is original and constructed of dark green and Breccia Pernice marble with limestone verticals. The wall paneling and ceiling beams are solid mahogany. The pews are original, also mahogany, and contain decorative details of the dogwood blossom, an ancient Christian symbol. The sanctuary floor is marble and the nave floor is of oak. The central aisle is covered with a sophisticated four foot-wide runner.
Credits:
Stained glass: Rohlf’s Stained & Leaded Glass Studio
Oil paintings: Gary Chu
Marble: Mario Terranova
Interior architecture: Henry Menzies
