History
The award-winning Squaw Valley Chapel was built in 1959 for the Protestant athletes and attendees of the 1960 Winter Olympics held in this magnificent High Sierra valley. It is one of the few remaining original buildings from that period. The Church maintained a ministry in the valley from 1960 to 1972, and then closed its doors and fell into disrepair. |
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The Chapel embraces its Olympic heritage and continues it through the kind donations of Olympic memorabilia by members and friends. |
The historic Chapel has become popular for both indoor and outdoor weddings, group retreats, art
workshops, special events, baptisms and memorial services, and thousands have worshipped in the
inspiring sanctuary that is open to all faiths.
workshops, special events, baptisms and memorial services, and thousands have worshipped in the
inspiring sanctuary that is open to all faiths.
In 2003, we completed a total restoration of kitchen, bathrooms and Lodge Room, In 2010, the stained
glass was restored to complete the renovation of the sanctuary, and lighting was installed for evening
concerts.
glass was restored to complete the renovation of the sanctuary, and lighting was installed for evening
concerts.
Beginning in June of 1994, Reverend Guthrie Swartz and his wife, Betty, gathered a hardy group of
volunteers, and the Chapel was cleaned, repaired and re-opened for worship. A local congregation of the
United Church of Christ was formed in the fall of 1994. After overcoming many obstacles, the property
was purchased in August 1996 by the local congregation.
volunteers, and the Chapel was cleaned, repaired and re-opened for worship. A local congregation of the
United Church of Christ was formed in the fall of 1994. After overcoming many obstacles, the property
was purchased in August 1996 by the local congregation.