The History of the Squaw Valley Chapel

The award winning Squaw Valley Chapel of the United Church of Christ 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.

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 reopened 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. Since then, thousands have worshiped in the inspiring sanctuary open to all faiths. Weddings and vow renewals, group retreats, art workshops, special events, counseling, baptisms and memorial services have lifted the hearts of those attending.

Two huge pillars support the free form hyperbolic parabola roof of reinforced cement, one on each side. The sanctuary is surrounded by glass on all sides, a unique adhesive-bond stained-glass masterpiece, representing the colors of the four seasons. The vaulted roof over the altar looks directly out onto the magnificent mountains of Olympic Valley, providing those inside with the inspiration of God's creation, both within and without.