Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel
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Detail of chapel facade, with gargoyles, celtic cross, and stained-glass windows
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 Location in Puerto Rico
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| Location | Ponce de León and Miramar Aves., Santurce, Puerto Rico |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | Antonin Nechodoma |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival, Other, Neo-Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003171 |
| Added to NRHP | September 27, 1984 |
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (which is Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes in Spanish) is a beautiful old chapel. You can find it in the Miramar area of Santurce, Puerto Rico. This special building has a unique look called neo-Gothic style. A talented architect from the Czech Republic named Antonin Nechodoma designed it. The chapel was built in 1908.
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History of Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel
The story of the chapel began in 1906 when the land was bought. The very first stone was placed in 1907. Antonin Nechodoma, a Czech architect who lived in Puerto Rico, created the design. The chapel officially opened its doors in 1908.
At first, a Methodist Episcopal church used the chapel. Later, another group called the Union Church took it over. In 1959, two people named Pedro Santiago and Catalina Mejía de Santiago gave the building as a gift. They gave it to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico.
Because of its special design and long history, the chapel became a protected site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 25, 1984. This list helps protect important historical buildings in the United States.
Bringing the Chapel Back to Life
By 1982, the chapel was empty and falling apart. A person named Elba Armstrong decided to help fix it. She worked with the Lourdes Association to start a restoration project. The first part of the restoration cost about $24,300. Elba Armstrong worked with architect Pablo Ojeda O'Neill. They also got help from private groups and the government.
In 1987, the 24 amazing stained-glass windows were fixed. This cost $13,500, and the Angel Ramos Foundation helped with a donation. From 1990 to 1991, the roof was repaired. The asbestos parts of the roof were replaced. This was possible thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Senate of Puerto Rico. The Angel Ramos Foundation also gave another $5,000.
In 1992, two specific stained-glass windows were restored. These were the "Jesus and the Children" and the "Holy Spirit" windows. This project cost $22,000, with help from Esso Standard Oil Company. The broken frames around the windows were also rebuilt. In 1993, the floor around the altar was replaced. New wooden floors, just like the original ones, were put in. This was done with a $19,000 donation. It came from the Puerto Rican Committee for the Fifth Centenary of the Discovery of Puerto Rico. Also, a beautiful mosaic was found. It was similar to the one in the main hall. This mosaic was installed in the side hall, the sacristy (a room for priests), and the bathroom.
The furniture and doors in the sacristy were designed by Ojeda. They were made from beautiful mahogany wood. The chapel's bell was made in Spain.
Amazing Architecture
The chapel has a tall bell tower. This tower features four gargoyles. Gargoyles are cool stone carvings that also act as drainage systems for rainwater. The tower has double arches with slightly pointed tops. The front of the chapel also has a large stained-glass window. A smaller one sits right above it. A celtic cross is at the very top of the church. The windows on the sides also have beautiful stained glass.
Inside, the chapel is simple and cozy. It has nice wood finishes. The chapel has one main room. Its roof is shaped like an "A" at the top.
Gallery
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Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel (2016)
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See also
In Spanish: Capilla de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes (Santurce) para niños
