In the heart of Temecula, California, nestled within the serene confines of Sam Hicks Monument Park, stands a charming piece of history—the Chapel of Memories. This quaint and picturesque chapel, originally known as St. Catherine's of Alexandria Church, is a testament to the enduring spirit and community values of Temecula's early settlers. Built in 1917, the Chapel of Memories has transitioned from a humble Catholic church to a beloved non-denominational venue, capturing the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
The story of the Chapel of Memories begins in 1910, when Father John J. Burri was assigned to Temecula to serve the area as an extension of the San Luis Rey Mission. Recognizing the need for a dedicated place of worship for the growing Catholic congregation, Father Burri spearheaded the project to build a new church. With the support of local residents and the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino, the vision for the chapel began to take shape.
Generosity from the community played a crucial role in the chapel's construction. Local resident Macedonia Machado and the Santa Fe Railroad donated $1,500 to purchase six lots at the corner of 6th and Front Streets. The 1st National Bank of Temecula granted a loan of $1,200 for building materials, and local quarry owner Jean Laborde donated granite blocks for the front steps and altar. On February 9, 1917, Del Clark and R.J. Smith of Elsinore began construction on what would become a cherished landmark.
The chapel, measuring 26 feet by 36 feet, was built as a wooden structure with dark brown stained clapboard siding. Its granite block front steps and granite altar were locally quarried, adding a touch of local craftsmanship to the building. Despite the initial cost estimates of $3,000 to $4,000 for a stone chapel, the decision to build a wooden structure kept costs more manageable at approximately $1,500.
To raise the remaining funds needed for the chapel, a community barbecue fundraiser was held on April 15, 1917, at the Vail Ranch. Admission was $1 per person, and the event attracted over 800 people, many traveling from Los Angeles and San Diego. The fundraiser featured a 45-minute wrestling exhibition, boxing matches, and various sporting events, along with a dance showcasing indigenous groups and other entertainers. The event was a resounding success, not only paying off the bank loan but also leaving enough money to purchase a new car for Father Burri.
By December 1917, the chapel was complete with a steeple, and R.J. Smith donated a 200-year-old bell to crown the structure. Unfortunately, the bell was stolen in 1930, but in 1969, the US Navy decommissioned the USS Georgetown and loaned the church a 650-pound brass ship bell. Today, the chapel's bell sounds are computer-generated, preserving the tradition in a modern way.
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In 1988, the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino sold the valuable chapel land to fund the construction of a new, larger church. Tony and Mildred Tobin purchased the chapel building for $1 and donated it to the Old Town Temecula Museum Society. On May 5, 1989, the chapel was moved to its new location in Sam Hicks Monument Park, where it underwent renovations to meet modern building codes. Local businessman Stan Hansen fabricated new stained glass windows using glass from a 100-year-old church in St. Joseph, Missouri.
In 1994, the Temecula Museum Board of Directors decided to make the newly renovated chapel available for weddings, and a local contest was held to determine its new name. Bryna Bunderson, a 16-year-old resident, won the contest with her entry, Chapel of Memories. The name perfectly encapsulates the chapel's role as a keeper of cherished memories for the community.
On April 15, 2017, the City of Temecula and the Temecula Valley Museum, Inc. hosted a community barbecue and birthday cake tasting to celebrate the Chapel of Memories' Centennial. In keeping with tradition, the cost was $1, echoing the spirit of the original fundraiser that helped build the chapel a century earlier. The celebration brought the community together once again, honoring the chapel's rich history and its significance to Temecula.
Today, the Chapel of Memories stands as a beloved landmark in Temecula, offering a unique and historic venue for weddings, events, and quiet reflection. Its charming architecture, combined with its storied past, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and romantics alike. As you step through its doors, you are transported back in time, experiencing the warmth and community spirit that built this enduring chapel.
Whether you are exploring the history of Temecula, planning a special event, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the Chapel of Memories invites you to be part of its ongoing story. It is more than just a building; it is a testament to the power of community, faith, and the enduring legacy of those who came before us.
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