Chapel of the Snows

Tucked away at the bottom of the world, the Chapel of the Snows was built in 1956—not as part of the official construction plans at McMurdo Station, but secretly, by a group of U.S. Navy Seabees who volunteered their evenings after long days on the job. They quietly gathered leftover lumber, nails, and even a bell from a small gasoline tanker to make it happen. It became the very first church ever built on the continent.

In 1978, the original chapel was unfortunately lost in a fire, perhaps a little bit ironic given that Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth; however, in 1989, a new chapel was built and officially dedicated. That’s the one you’ll find today—still standing strong amid the snow and ice.

The Chapel of the Snows isn’t just notable for its history—it’s also the southernmost dedicated religious building on Earth… unless penguins have a secret religious structure south of the chapel that we don’t know about. It’s proudly interfaith, hosting both Protestant and Catholic services, as well as gatherings for other religious groups and community organizations, including a sobriety support group. During the austral summer, the famous Erebus Chalice is even brought down to the chapel, continuing a long tradition of reflection and connection at the edge of the world.

Next time you’re in Antarctica, the Chapel of the Snows will be there waiting for you, should you need a warm reminder of humanity in a very cold place.