Yosemite Valley Chapel

Our History, Mission, and Ministry

© Dan Warsinger Photography

The History of Yosemite Valley Chapel

Of the structures in public use in Yosemite National Park, the Yosemite Valley Chapel is now the oldest. This little New England style church was built under the sponsorship of the California State Sunday School Association, partly by subscriptions from the children, but mainly from the voluntary contributions of prominent members of the Association.

The Chapel was built in 1879 by those who recognized that the God who created our wonderful surroundings is even more incredible than His creation. As the psalmist declares "O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places" (Psalm 68:35).

Mr. Charles Geddes, a leading architect of San Francisco, made and presented the plans. Mr. E. Thomson, also of San Francisco, erected the building at a cost of between three and four thousand dollars. It will seat an audience of about two hundred and fifty. Mr. H. D. Bacon of Oakland donated the bell. When its first notes rang out on the evening of dedication, it was the first sound of "the church-going bell" ever heard in Yosemite. ["In the Heart of the Sierras" by James M. Hutchings (1888)]

The first service was held on June 7, 1879, and the church was filled to overflowing by delegates to the National Sunday School Assembly who were meeting in Yosemite Valley at that time.

The first organ in the Chapel was given by Miss Mary Porter of Philadelphia in memory of Florence Hutchings. Florence was the unofficial, but faithful caretaker of the Chapel during the summer of 1879-1881. She died in a climbing accident at the tender age of 17.

In 1887, on the death of President Grant, a memorial service was held in the Chapel. The organist for the day was Sir Arthur Sullivan, famed composer and collaborator with Sir William Gilbert in the famous Gilbert and Sullivan light operas. Sir Arthur was visiting in the Valley at the time and was asked to assist in the service.

The original location of the Chapel structure was on rising ground near the base of the Four Mile trail, a mile or so down the Valley from its present site on the south side of Yosemite Valley.

© unknown

In the passage of years, the old Chapel, built in the midst of a busy community, lost one by one its companion buildings, until, with the moving on of community activity to other parts of the Valley, it stood alone. In 1901, it was taken down and moved to its present site.

The Yosemite Valley Chapel was given Historic American building status by the National Park Service in 1965. Following this, its interior was restored and a new foundation was placed under it.

This little Chapel continues to serve as a place of worship for residents and visitors alike, as it has done for over 100 years. By opening to God's love and embracing His plan for our lives, we can know Him personally, fellowship with Him continuously, and worship Him eternally.

Over the years we have maintained that emphasis and, to this day, Yosemite Community Church continues to be a church where God's children are welcome, Christ Jesus our Savior is exalted, and His Word is proclaimed. All for the glory of God.

The Mission of Yosemite Community Church

To be a caring community of believers serving as a center for spiritual growth and renewal where those who live, work, and visit in Yosemite National Park may encounter the living Christ through joyful worship, Bible study, and regular fellowship.

While striving to bring others to Christ by invitation and example, we are called to minister to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of every person as God gives us strength and direction through the Holy Spirit.

The Ministry of Yosemite Community Church

Our ministry, the activities associated with the Chapel, are by definition an outflow of our mission, which, in turn, is born out of the purpose for which the Chapel was originally established.

Therefore, services and ceremonies conducted in the Chapel, by nature, must reflect that mission and purpose which adhere to the basic tenets of the Christian faith.