Sedona, Arizona – Chapel of the Holy Cross

Posted on March 19, 2025


The Chapel of the Holy Cross, sitting high atop the red rocks in Sedona, Arizona, was inspired and commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. In 1932 she was inspired to build such a church by the construction of the Empire State Building. Staude initially attempted to do this in Budapest, Hungary with the help of Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

However, this didn’t happen, due to the outbreak of World War II. So Marguerite decided to build the chapel in her native state, Arizona. The chapel is built in Coconino National Forest.

While the Chapel of the Holy Cross is not on a vortex site, it is between two of the popular Sedona vortexes. Cathedral Rock: A feminine vortex that is said to be near the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Boynton Canyon Vortex: An energy vortex that is said to strengthen spiritual balance and is located about 8 miles west of the Sedona “Y”. 

This is what you see as you approach the Chapel. Note the brilliant blue sky.

Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross
Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross

Here is the inside of the Chapel.

Sedona inside Chapel of Holy Cross
Sedona inside Chapel of Holy Cross

Here is the view from outside the Chapel. Note the large house in the lower right corner. It is owned by Ioan Comescu, the inventor of the laser used in Lasik surgery.

Sedona view from top of Chapel of Holy Cross
Sedona view from top of Chapel of Holy Cross

And here is our dear Mr. Ken at the site. In the background you can see the elephant rock (to the left) and the two nuns rock (to the right.) (I must admit, I can’t see the elephant shape.) One of the many things I love about Sedona is the fascinating rock formations you see everywhere you go.

Sedona Elephant and two nuns rocks
Sedona Elephant and two nuns rocks

Have you been to the Church of the Holy Cross in Sedona?