Son's Chapel facts for kids
Son's Chapel is a special old church located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's known for its unique look, blending different old building styles. This chapel has been a central part of its community for a very long time, serving as a place for worship and learning.
Quick facts for kids |
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Son's Chapel
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5480 East Mission, Fayetteville, Arkansas |
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| Area | 2.1 acres (0.85 ha) |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | Shelton, Thayer |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000949 |
| Added to NRHP | September 25, 2003 |
Contents
What is Son's Chapel?
Son's Chapel is a historic church found at 5480 East Mission in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is made from rustic fieldstone, which means it uses natural, rough stones. The building has a front-gable roof, which is a roof that slopes down on two sides, forming a triangle at the front.
A Look at the Chapel's Design
The chapel also has a short, square tower built on one side. It was constructed between 1933 and 1937. The building mixes two old architectural styles: Gothic and Romanesque. You can see Romanesque arches above the windows. The tower has a crenellated parapet, which looks like the top of a castle wall.
How Son's Chapel Began
The story of this area goes back to about 1842. The land was first given to a Choctaw man named Ah-To-Chubee. After he passed away, the land became available again.
Michael Son and his wife Nancy moved to northwest Arkansas. In 1848, they received ownership of 40 acres of this land. This community became known as "Son's Chapel" because of Michael and his brother Abram Son. They settled here in what was then a wooded farmland area.
The First Chapel and Community
The Son family built a home. In 1852, they donated about two acres of land for just $2 to the Methodist Protestant Church. This land was for a cemetery and a church yard. A small log chapel, also called "Son's Chapel," was built there. It was used for church services and as a community school. Different church groups and other community organizations used the building in its early days.
As the community grew, the small log building became too small. A new schoolhouse was built nearby. People then started talking about building a larger community center.
Caring for the Chapel Today
The Rural Builders Association was formed in 1922. This group still helps take care of and maintain the chapel. They raise money to keep the building in good condition.
Son's Chapel was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. You can see a bronze plaque outside the front door that shows this honor.
The Old Cemetery Across the Street
The Son's Chapel Cemetery is located across the street from the chapel. It has grown over time and is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. While no "famous" people are buried there, it holds the graves of many early pioneers. There are also some unmarked graves.
The cemetery is still active today. It has its own Board of Trustees. They hold an annual workday and a Memorial Service each Memorial Day weekend. Nancy Son, Michael Son's wife, is the only Son family member buried there. Michael Son is buried in Missouri with his brother.
See also
