 Built in 1893, the Chapel of the Veterans on the grounds of the Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas was designed by Louis Curtis of Kansas City, and inspired by a Gothic chapel that he had seen being renovated in England. The Chapel is constructed from unusually long, thin clay bricks and sandstone. The tower has eleven tubular bells (rarely used) and three gargoyles. At the time it was built, the complex it served was known as the Western Branch National Home of Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. For many years the Chapel of the Veterans was the only church in the United States where Protestant and Catholic religious services could be conducted under one roof at the same time, and the chapel was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not in 1921. The lower level of the Chapel of the Veterans, with an entrance on the end, is the Catholic chapel named the Holy Ghost Chapel. The upper level is the Protestant chapel called Immanuel Chapel. Prior to cloaing, the building saw rare use, but was open for visitors daily and could be reserved for weddings or funerals. As of July 2026, the Chapel has been closed for many years because of water damage. It is reported as being in stable condition, but much work is needed and there are no funds or current plans for restoration. It may only be viewed from outside.
copyright 2006-2026 by Keith Stokes |
