BIG SK Y CHAPEL {SUMMER 2015}
Brandon and Nikki Berg, Married July 4, 2006
Self-guided walking tour of the Chapel and grounds: Compiled by: Julie Grimm
The Memorial Monument: Located in front of the entrance to the chapel, and this low heavy masonry block is topped with a large bronze plaque with the names of the World War II South Pacific casualties of the original Montana regiment (inducted in 1940). Many more Montanans and Americans died during World War II. Many did not die in battle: “The men whose names are in bronze ask with silent words that we remember these and all who went before, down through the years.” Stained glass window: The theme of the Soldiers Chapel is portrayed in the stain glass window that depicts: “A mortally wounded soldier, in a lush tropical setting, reaching upward to receive the hand of God.” This window is located above the mall entrance and was designed by 163rd Infantry Sergeant Jack C. Gunter. Gold star: A 22-inch gold star is mounted between the Memorial Monument and the entrance to the chapel. It is mounted in white marble and imbedded flush with the surface of the stone. Russell and Tamela Barnett, Married June 1, 2002 with officiant Brad Lartigue.
been a board member since the 1980s. “It is unbelievable the number of people who stop by the chapel in the summer time,” Katie said. Julie recalls taking part in Christmas Nativity Scenes since she was a child. “It was really freezing in there. The chapel wasn’t and isn’t open in the winters, but for the sake of the live Nativity Scenes the doors opened and the community entered to watch the youth of Big Sky. In 2004 Julie, a history major at Carroll College, wrote her senior thesis on the chapel. “I was able interview many of the surviving 163rd Infantry Members, who have since passed away and the chapel has always been a part of my family. I was very excited to take over booking the events and being a part of the it (the chapel),” she said.
Altar picture window: Inside, the western end of the chapel houses an altar picture window; the window showcases a magnificent view of Lone Mountain. The chapel was built specifically so that the view of the cross and Lone Mountain could be seen from every point of the nave. The buffalo skull and baptismal font: Montana’s 163rd Regimental Cross is painted on the skull of the bison. Created from an old gold prospector’s pan, the baptismal font reminds us of American’s history of gold rush and westward expansion and settlement. It honors the families of American and of Montana and their sacrifices. Altar flags: national colors, Gold Star Flag, Regimental Colors and Australian Colors: Australian colors stand next to the Montana’s 163rd Regimental Colors. The Soldiers Chapel memorializes those original men of Montana’s 163rd Infantry who died in battle. It also commemorates all who have served in times of war. The Australian military trained and fought with the 163rd Infantry in the South Pacific Theater. The request was made that the Australian colors accompany Montana’s regimentals in the chapel, “An affection that will forever endure.” To schedule a wedding, baptism or memorial at the chapel or for more information, please call: 406-995-4089.
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