The Chapel of the Snow, located on Ross Island near McMurdo station, is one such place of worship where individuals can find solace and connect with their beliefs.
Antarctica’s harsh conditions would make it challenging to maintain one’s faith and spirituality, but seeing people find ways to do so while on expeditions is inspiring.
The increasing number of places of worship is a testament to the importance of religion in providing comfort and guidance, even in the most extreme living conditions.
Seeing that people can still celebrate significant life events such as marriages and baptisms in this challenging environment is heartening.
The history of the Chapel of the Snow.
The Chapel of the Snows, built-in 1956 as a non-denominational Christian church, has been serving the community of McMurdo Station for many years. It has provided a welcoming space for people of all faiths, including Latter Day Saints, Baha’i, and Buddhism, as well as non-religious groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
1978, a fire ravaged the original chapel, leaving it in ruins. However, the community didn’t give up and came together to construct a new chapel. Despite their efforts, fate was unkind, and the new chapel also succumbed to fire after a few years.
It’s amazing to see how the community of McMurdo Station has shown resilience in the face of adversity and has rebuilt the chapel twice!
The Chapel of the Snows is a testament to the spirit of cooperation and inclusivity that the community embodies. Initially, McMurdo did not plan to have a chapel, But the seasonal residents of the station took the initiative to build it.
Today, the Chapel of the Snows stands as the southernmost religious building in the world and continues to welcome people of all faiths.
The Symbolic Chalice Erebus
The Erebus Chalice is a beautiful silver and gilt chalice that was generously gifted to the National Science Foundation in 1987. It serves as an important symbol of hope and faith for those who spend their summers in Antarctica, particularly in the Chapel of the Snows at McMurdo Station.
The annual blessing of the chalice in Christchurch adds a special touch of reverence and tradition to its pilgrimage back to the ice. The presence of the chapel at McMurdo Station serves as a reminder of the significance of spirituality in remote and challenging environments.
The Erebus Chalice receives a blessing in Christchurch before embarking on its annual journey back to the ice.
In the winter, the Erebus Chalice resides at the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral.
Interestingly, the chalice was previously believed to have been carried aboard HMS Erebus, one of the ships that mapped Antarctica in 1839-1843. However, in 2006, it was discovered that the chalice was actually made in London around 1910 and could not have sailed aboard the Erebus.
Despite this, the Erebus Chalice still holds significant historical value and is an important artifact for the National Science Foundation. It’s amazing to contemplate the journey and history of this chalice every year!