Jenny Lind Chapel, Greek Revival chapel in Andover, US.
Jenny Lind Chapel is a Greek Revival chapel in Andover featuring white painted walls and rectangular windows with simple architectural details. The basement houses a museum with artifacts, letters, and documents from early Swedish settlers in the region.
The chapel was built in 1851 and became the first structure of the Augustana Synod, establishing Swedish Lutheran presence in the United States. This founding moment marked the beginning of organized Swedish religious life in America.
The chapel bears the name of Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, who donated funds for its construction during her American concert tour. The name connects visitors to the relationship between this building and the celebrated performer.
The chapel sits at an intersection that makes it easy to locate, and the museum section in the basement is open for visitors interested in learning about Swedish settler history. The simple architectural style allows you to appreciate the exterior from the street, even if you cannot access the interior.
During the 1852 cholera epidemic that struck the local Swedish community, materials intended for a planned steeple were repurposed in an unexpected way. This adaptation reflects the difficult early years the settlement experienced.
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