The Meadows Chapel

The Meadows Chapel, dedicated on April 30, 1990, was the realization of a ten-year dream by Gary Priour, Founder of the Youth Ranch. It was built with a gift from the Meadows Foundation of Dallas and is the result of Gary’s promise to God that if He would help build the children’s village, a sanctuary would be built to honor Him, on the grounds overlooking the Ranch.  See stained glass for a look at the extraordinary art of the windows.

The Chapel is built in the traditional cruciform shape used in many medieval cathedrals and in Franciscan missions throughout the Southwest. The three-story tower (see photo at left), complete with carillon bells, provides a view of the entire Ranch campus.  The chapel seats 120, and is often chosen by Ranch alumnae for their weddings.  Many graduates write in letters home that chapel services were a formative experience and a key to their healing.