The document provides details about the Marjorie Allen Powell Chapel, designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones. It summarizes Jones' background and design philosophy, which emphasized simplicity and integrating structures with their natural surroundings using light and geometry. The chapel embraces the Prairie School style, visible in its horizontal lines, integration with the landscape, and craftsmanship. Its design allows the building to enhance rather than distract from the botanical gardens where it resides.

1. The Marjorie Allen Powell Chapel
A
Paper
by
Julia Lord
School of Architecture
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
for
Professor Jon Daniel Davey
Architecture 231 Architecture History I
Fall 2015

2. The Marjorie Powell Chapel rests at the end of a long path through Powell Gardens
where it is surrounded by a long grass meadow and can look over the calm lake. While walking
towards the chapel the atmosphere undergoes a serene presence that resonates the natural
environment. Night or day the organic influenced structure not only compliments the natural
landscape but becomes an accepted part of it. Visitors always remember the chapel, and
frequenters can recognize it easily. The chapel embodies and is a representation of Powell
Gardens.
The chapel was designed by the awarded architect E. Fay Jones and his firm. E. Fay
Jones won the American Institute of Architect’s AIA Gold medal in 1990 and was mentored by
Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright had a strong influence on the principles of organic architecture and
Jones “reached new and original architectural conclusions with the innovative vertical use of
glass and a strict awareness of the role of interior and exterior spaces of light” (Ellen, 2015). His
work possesses his distinct voice and he limited his work to houses, pavilions and chapels. His
most recognizable and acclaimed building is the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs,
Arkansas. Fay worked to embody gothic style by the filtering of light and “affectionately labeled
Thorncrown’s style as ‘Ozark Gothic’” (Thorncrown Chapel Architecture, 2015). An elegant
ambience can be seen in most of his chapels through the light and the shadows he creates. This

3. involvement of light as such a key visual element aids pizzazz since the appearance will change
throughout the day with the changing of light. E. Fay Jones is a world renowned architect and
his intrinsic ability to use shape and light is incredibly evident in the Marjorie Powell Chapel.
The style of the chapel is Prairie School which originates from the 19th and 20th century,
and was most popular in the Midwest. This specific style can be recognized
“by its integration with the surrounding landscape, horizontal lines, flat or hipped roofs
with broad eaves, windows assembled in horizontal bands, solid construction,
craftsmanship, and restraint in the use of decoration” (Barker & Hedges, 2015).
Powell Chapel possess these precepts, especially drawing environmental influence. The chapel
is elegantly simple composed of redwood, glass and stone. Though the chapel has pronounced
angles seen in the roof these support the form for the large windows. Jones accomplished an
interpretation of the landscape in an abstract form (Alonzo, 2014). It is a dramatic statement
while only being 4700 square feet, one room and one shape. The wood pieces seem to be
naturally placed though they create geometric forms. The prairie school style embraces the
concept of the building belonging to the site. This style is closely tied to the work of Frank Lloyd
Wright and is the proud architectural invention of the United States.
Jones along with his partner Maurice Jennings designed more than three structures for
Powell Gardens. They were “commissioned to design the public buildings at Powell Garden so
they would have a timeless quality” (Powell Gardens, 2015). Powell Gardens is a botanical
garden in Missouri that stretches 940 acres and contains multiple attractions such as: perennial
gardens, rock and waterfall gardens, a meadow pavilion, the Marjorie Powell Allen chapel, the
visitor education center, island garden, garden gatehouse, fountain garden, and the heartland

4. harvest garden (Powell Gardens, 2015). The garden was named after the Powell family who
donated their land for the garden. The chapel was named after the Powell daughter Marjorie who
was a successful and beloved philanthropist of Kansas City. Powell Gardens is the host of
multiple community cherished events such as concerts, art exhibits, school field trips, weddings
and classes. Kansas City’s non-for-profit botanical garden strives to provide “an experience that
embraces the Midwest’s spirit of place and inspires an appreciation for the importance of plants
in our lives” (Powell Gardens, 2015).
If Marjorie Chapel was making a political statement it would reside in its Prairie school
style. With originating in the United States around the same time as the Arts and Crafts
Movement in Europe it was a chance for Americans to have an authentic style (Barker &
Hedges, 2015). The architects wanted to have a style that was independent of the historical and
revivalist influence since the then dominant style was Classical Revival. This caused the prairie
style to develop with a direction toward simplicity and function. Prairie school desired to clasp
unto craftsmanship which was a political response to the new assembly line (Barker & Hedges,
2015). The architects felt the assembly line “resulted in mediocre products and dehumanized
workers” (Barker & Hedges, 2015). Prairie school was a chance to simplify and focus on what
really matters.
The philosophical statement of the chapel also presides in the Prairie school style. It was
influenced by a philosophical movement and multiple architectural philosophies.
“The Prairie School was heavily influenced by the Transcendentalist philosophy of Ralph
Waldo Emerson and the Idealistic Romantics, who believed that better homes would
create better people. Subsequently, Prairie School architects influenced architectural

5. styles that followed, particularly the Minimalist (less is more), Bauhaus (form follows
function), De Stijl (grid-based design) and Constructivism (which emphasized the
structure itself and the building materials)”(Barker & Hedges, 2015).
Transcendentalism is the belief of possessing knowledge that transcends our understanding. It
delved into the world of ideas. Emerson believed the questions and answers were in nature, and
our intuition could be found originating from nature (Figueroa, 2013). This can be seen reflected
in the architecture by the way the structure returns to the wisdom of the laws of nature. It seeks
to duplicate the connection in the change of landscape to the change of human emotions. The
ideology of less is more completely encompasses the Prairie style and can be seen in the
Marjorie Chapel. The chapel is one room, with the same lines repeated to provide its form. This
simplistic approach guides the people to focus on the surrounding nature. It also allows the
building to not distract or stand out, instead it enhances or highlights the botanical garden.
The Marjorie Powell Allen chapel is considered a nondenominational chapel and it is
open for reservations or events. It is a favorite choice for weddings or photo shoots because it’s
beautiful background. Reviews on the chapel were beyond positive and encouraged others to
schedule their own because of the staff of Powell Gardens and the scenic ceremony. The chapel

6. is open to the public unless previously reserved for an event. Powell gardens will usually involve
the chapel in their festivities or exhibits by allowing access inside or carefully illuminating the
exterior for effect. The chapel has a religious statement since it is a religious building but it is not
an active church so its statement could be deemed subtle. The chapel is open for reservations to
events and does not single it to religious activities. So though it is a chapel Powell Gardens does
not strive for a loud religious statement.
The church’s symbolism can be seen in the possible use and style. A chapel is used for
weddings which represent a union of humankind with nature. This symbolism agrees completely
with the entire existence of the Marjorie Powell Chapel. The location, architecture and use all
strive for unification with nature. Nature is the motif of the chapel. The church’s big overhanging
roof points to the sky which is classic symbolism seen in churches to represent pointing to God
or the heavens. This can be seen in the original Gothic churches as well. It is a continued and
known architectural technique to embody the purpose of the building in the design.
Fay Jones’s style was very expressive and memorable. He was involved in a continued
style but his approach was extremely individual. His most famous work Thorncrown was a
strong design created through minimalistic forms. The chapel possesses over 6,000 square feet of
glass which allows a perfect view into the beautiful natural setting that encloses it (Thorncrown
Chapel Architecture, 2015). Located in the Ozark hillside Fay Jones was at home in his design
element. He wanted to preserve the natural setting so he decided the chapel would be made
almost entirely of organic materials. By choosing this design decision it created a continuity of
the setting and building that made Thorncrown seem to be a part of the Ozark hillside. Another
decision Fay made to additionally conserve the natural aspect was “that no structural element
could be larger than what two men could carry through the woods” (Thorncrown Chapel

7. Architecture, 2015). Fay Jones accomplished his philosophy through his buildings and his
building approaches.
The Prairie style is said to have adopted then personalized its own version of Gothic
architecture. The same symbolism from Gothic architecture can be seen in the chapel. For
example, the entire church is a Gothic arch. Even Fay Jones affectional refers to his style as
“Ozark Gothic” and admits Thorncrown’s inspiration was Sainte Chappelle in Paris
(Thorncrown Chapel Architecture, 2015). The Gothic arch or pointed arch was an improvement
to the original rounded arch that allowed for an immense increase in height. Another
characteristic of Gothic churches was their windows. Churches used windows to portray the
biblical stories through pictures to the mostly illiterate population. This translated into the Gothic
church design to have huge windows. Fay Jones took this design concept and incorporated into
his chapels but through clear panes he changed the focus to the garden environment.
The building was finished in 1996 and has thrived for Powell Gardens. Fay Jones’s
Prairie school style can be seen repeated in multiple buildings through the gardens. This
repetition creates a sense of a different world for visitors upon their arrival. The garden adopts a
timeless serenity that people long for. The building is important because it is an embodiment of
Midwest Culture. It is also loved by the locals promising a long preserved existence which also
makes it possible for this building to one day be an historic site.

8. The Marjorie Allen Powell Chapel is a very important building to me because of many
cherished memories. My grandpa was a heavily involved volunteer helping full time. He put a lot
of time into the gardens, which made me proud every time I visited knowing that my family was
a part of its success. As a family we attended many events and exhibits, and as a kid I knew
where every path led to each different garden. My family still goes to many events such as
“Booms and Blooms”, the “Jack O Lantern Festival” and the “Luminary Walk”. “Booms and
Blooms” is the 4th of July festival where all of the gardens are open, the Lee’s Summit
Symphony plays classic American pride songs, and fireworks are shot off over the lake. The
“Jack O Lantern Festival” is the Halloween event where families are invited to come dressed up
or not. It starts during the night because they line the main trail with hundreds of pumpkins with
different and intricate designs. The “Luminary Walk” is the Christmas candle-lit celebration.
There is hot chocolate and cookies, the paths are lit by candle lanterns which lead to the Marjorie
Allen Powell Chapel where there is live Christmas music. I can remember going to Powell
Gardens in grade school for a field trip to learn about different bugs and plants and walk the
trails. The most memorable part of that field trip was the mealworm cheeseball. The staff made a
cheeseball for the class that had mealworms in it and if you were brave enough you could try it. I

9. still enjoy going to the gardens aside from my happy memories because of the natural beauty
they possess. Powell Gardens is still adding new gardens each unique and full of a new
experience. They also host multiple exhibits, such as a butterfly or a dinosaur exhibition. They
have detailed and interactive pieces placed throughout the gardens encouraging an interesting
approach to learning. I believe for everything Powell Gardens stands for with their work to
preserve the beauty and importance of the natural elements of the earth. The Marjorie Allen
Chapel encompasses this as well in an architectural form. I think Fay Jones’s design is perfect
for the location and customer. The Marjorie Allen Powell Chapel is a hometown treasure.

10. References
Alonzo, A. (2014, July 11). Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel at Powell Gardens. Retrieved
November 14, 2015.
An Architectural Gem. (2015). Retrieved November 15, 2015.
Barker, M., & Hedges, B. (2015). Prairie School Architecture. Retrieved November 14, 2015.
Ellen, C. (2015, February 25). Fay Jones (1921â2004) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved
November 14, 2015.
Figueroa, Josean. "Emerson Wright: The Architectural Basis of Transcendental Naturalism."
Transcendental Naturalism. 12 Apr. 2013. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.
Thorncrown Chapel Architecture. (2015). Retrieved November 14, 2015.