Guest post courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of Midwest Travel Journalists Association
Even on a grey day, The Cadet Chapel at the United States Air Force Academy will warm your heart. On a trip to Colorado Springs where my daughter and son-in-law were stationed at Ft. Carson, The Cadet Chapel was one of our outings. The chapel is worth a stop for its architecture and its intention. According to the chapel’s website, it’s one of the most visited human-made sites in Colorado.
The architecture is stunning. Made of aluminum, glass and steel, the chapel has 17 spires that are a modern day reach for the heavens. Abstract stained glass windows create a kaleidoscope of a changing play of light. My daughter said that on a sunny day, the effect is quite stunning. I was impressed just the same.
But, most impressive and heart-warming is the intention behind The Cadet Chapel. This is indeed where the world can be seen coming together in peace. The Cadet Chapel was created as an interfaith sanctuary at its finest. Major world religions share a space here-each with a distinctive quality.
The main space is non-denominational Protestant with other sacred spaces serving other faiths. Anyone is welcome to go in either space, although on the day we were there, there was a wedding in the Catholic Chapel so that one was not accessible.
Each space has art and artifacts representative of the religion it represents and are appointed in a way to be used for prayer, contemplation, services and a bit of solitude in the quiet beauty.
Throughout the week, depending on the day, Christian (Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox), Jewish, Buddhist, and Islam services are held here. Other faiths, Later-Day-Saints, Sikhs, and Hindus are given guidance about where to find spiritual connections in Colorado Springs that fit their faith traditions.
We had hoped to go back for a service, particularly on a day when the sun was out, but our timing was off.
Located near Colorado Springs, the United States Air Force Academy is easily accessible. You do need ID to get into the property but going through security is not a big deal.
If you go, stop in the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center for the small museum about the Air Force Academy and a gift shop. Although we didn’t have time to hike, there are 23 miles of multi-use trails as well. The scenery is gorgeous.
Visitors hours are Mon.-Sat. 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and Sun. 1-4:30 pm. Check The Cadet Chapel website for specific times of each religion’s service.