MILDRED B. COOPER MEMORIAL CHAPEL

What explodes onto your senses when you first behold the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is not at all what was anticipated when you began down the meandering trail from the parking lot.  It is not only the Chapel's lofty heights, or the massive wooden doors, or even the arches upon arches that gracefully flow above and below each other giving the impression of airy wonder...What is most impressive is that a building of this magnitude, designed and created by the mind of a man, could so seamlessly fit into the natural scene which envelopes it.

Bella Vista is proud to be the home of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.  The Chapel was created by renowned  Arkansas architect Euine Fay Jones. In 1991, Fay Jones was awarded the American Institute of Architecture's highest award, the AIA Gold Medal.  Fay was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright where he was first introduced to the principle of Organic Architecture (designing to fit the environment).  

Built to honor Mildred Borum Cooper, wife of John A. Cooper, Sr., Founder of Cooper Communities, Inc, the Chapel is a fitting memorial.  Besides being a devoted wife, mother, and member of the community, Mrs. Cooper had a deep spirituality and love for nature.  Her family commissioned the Chapel in her honor to celebrate her life and her dedication to God and his creations.

The architectural aspects of this impressive design,
coupled with the beauty outside, can't help but take your breath away, leaving one with a renewed respect for the achievements of both mankind and of the creator of all.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Chapel and sit a spell in quiet meditation.  Surrounded by large glass windows, the Chapel is full of light and shadows, one with it's surroundings, regardless of the season.  It was the hope of Mildred B. Copper's family that everyone who visits the Chapel would find it a source of peace and inspiration.   

Fay Jones has produced two well known architectural pieces of art in Northwest Arkansas.  First is Bella Vista's own Mildred B. Memorial Chapel and the other is the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  Eureka Springs is a quaint old town full of artesian and antique shops, a popular destination for tourists only an hours drive to the east of Bella Vista.

For four days leading up to Christmas, the Chapel is lit in the evenings till 8:00.  It's a beautiful and rare site you won't want to miss!

Visitors to the Chapel are welcome to drop by the office as they leave the sanctuary of the Chapel.  The office is hidden among the trees (take the 1st path to the left as you are walking from the chapel and turn right at the T in the path to visit the office).  At the office you can pick up a brochure on the Chapel and browse through the scrapbook full of articles of about the chapel and it's famous architect, Fay Jones.  During office hours you'll always find a friendly smile (how could anyone not be happy working in such lovely surroundings).

The Chapel is open to the public from  9 - 5 seven days a week or by reservation for special ceremonies. The Chapel is available for services such as weddings, renewal of vows, concerts, cultural events, baptisms and memorial services.  Such services must receive prior approval from the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel Foundation.  Seating capacity for this beautiful chapel is 120 souls.

Maintenance and upkeep of the Chapel is funded entirely through private contributions.  An offering box is located just inside the Chapel and contributions are greatly appreciated.  All contributions are tax deductible and will be gratefully acknowledged in writing.