Bishop Marty Chapel – The Siouxland Blog

Considered one of the country’s best examples of Gothic Architecture, the Bishop Marty Chapel stands 187.5 feet. Towering over Yankton since it was built in 1950, this is more than just a cathedral, but also

Finding the chapel on Mount Marty College campus

While looking at the map of Yankton, I saw at the very Southernmost tip of the Mount Marty College campus was the Bishop Marty Chapel. I then proceeded to look up photos of it on the internet. Amazed there was a picturesque cathedral so close to Sioux City, I knew I had to plan my visit.

Not knowing how to schedule a tour, I initially drove up the first day to visit the Cramer-Kenyon home, and then made my way to the chapel. As soon as I walked in, I went over to the front desk, asked the secretary about a tour, and she promptly wrote my name down, and said for me to come back at 9am in the morning. Sister Anne would be giving me a private tour. A what? I felt honored they would make time for just one lonely visitor.

My tour with Sister Anne

So, the next morning, I arose quite early, hit the road for Yankton. Driving an hour north, I arrived at the chapel exactly at 9am. Quite impressed with myself, and even more impressed that Sister Anne was waiting for me right inside the doors.

She shook my hand, and I explained to her that my niece is attending Mount Marty College, and I was curious about the chapel. I have an archaeology background, so I love to indulge myself in history, especially when I can actually walk inside it. Seeing what man is capable of building has always captivated me.

It’s construction

Named after Bishop Martin Marty, the first bishop of the Dakotas who arrived here in the Dakota Territory in 1876, the chapel was designed by Mother Jerome Schmitt, and architect Edward J. Schulte from Cincinnati, Ohio.

Contracted to build this 20,000 square foot structure was Sioux City’s very own Klinger Construction. Using Lannon stone from Wisconsin, and Bedford stone from Indiana, it cost approximately $1.1 million to build.

The chapel is stunningly beautiful! Capable of seating 600, the interior consists of white oak and sandstone, with stained glass windows and a suspended crucifix at the front of the church.

Bishop Martin Marty

When you first enter the chapel, you see a room commemorating Bishop Marty and his missionary work. There are artifacts in a glass case which illustrate his lifetime achievements and his coat of arms.

Once inside the chapel

Walking further into the sanctuary you are met by the cavernous and majestic belly of the chapel. I imagine this is what the inside of a dragon would look like.

Sister Anne definitely knew her history of Bishop Marty Chapel, and not skipping a beat, she methodically narrated my tour as she probably has a hundred times before.

Towards the front of the chapel is the green Italian marble altar table, with a carving of seven sacraments and peacocks which represent immortality.

Read more about this immense structure and the fine interior design details via Yankton Daily’s article here: https://www.yankton.net/archives/article_409bdeaf-3a31-5491-af73-cc7defe1540b.html.

The stained-glass windows

In addition to the vastness of the chapel, you also notice the numerous stained-glass windows, all of which have a meaning. From the North Windows depicting Jesus’ victory over Satan, to the South Windows portraying the Work of God.

A gift of Mt. Marty alumnae, the Benedictine Sisters’ Window to the east is a story-telling masterpiece. Twenty panels are divided into five tiers, and each panel displays how the Sisters live, minister, work and pray.

Read more about these windows, their meanings and what they specifically depict via the about page on Yankton Benedictines website here: https://yanktonbenedictines.org/about-bishop-marty-chapel/.

Peace chapel and Peace Center

Surprisingly, the main chapel is only used for Sunday morning services, special Masses and Chsristmas Vespers. Predominately, however, the smaller downstairs Peace Chapel is more frequently used for daily prayer, conferences and student services.

Connected to the Peace Chapel is the Peace Center. Built in 2001, this is designed for individually guided retreats, meaning those who need guidance in their spiritual lives come here to stay in one of the eight bedrooms. Also available to those in need are libraries, a lounge and a meditation room.

Retreats and theological programs

Retreats can last a couple hours to a year-long sabbatical, and retreatants, as they are called, have access to the monastic community. Eating, working and praying alongside the 109 Benedictine Sisters.

You don’t have to be on a retreat, or come to mass to experience the chapel. In fact, there is a Theology Institute available free to the public. Biannual programs focusing on various theological topics occur every Saturday morning in the Spring and Autumn.

Read more on all the details about the many different retreats offered via the Sioux City Journal’s article on Bishop Marty Chapel here: https://siouxcityjournal.com/special-section/siouxland_life/landmark-steeple-rises-above-yankton/article_7b4b8a0c-2bc6-5047-84e4-086c1a671e12.html.

Plan your visit

Overall, I was very pleased with my tour. I appreciated the professionalism of Sister Anne, and the dedication of all who built and maintain this chapel.

Finally, if you are in Yankton on vacation and want to attend Mass in the chapel, come at 10am Sunday mornings. And if you want a tour call and schedule ahead of time, and enjoy a highly educated tour by Sister Anne.

Keep up-to-date on their schedule of events via their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bishop-Marty-Chapel/978951682203313, and learn more about the Sacred Heart Monastery on their website: https://yanktonbenedictines.org/.

605-668-6000
Benedictine Sisters
Sacred Heart Monastery
1005 W 8^th St.
Yankton, SD 57078