The Silent Night Memorial Chapel in Frankenmuth, Michigan is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, Austria.
The chapel is named after the famous Christmas carol that was sung in Austria for the first time on Christmas Eve in 1818 at the St. Nicholas Church.
After a flood damaged the church, the parishioners re-built the church on higher ground with the Silent Night Memorial Chapel erected on the site of the original St. Nicholas Church altar.
Visitors to Frankenmuth can’t help but be intrigued by the interesting octagonal building that sits on Bronner’s property. I couldn’t wait to take a peek inside when I first saw it and I took a lot of photos so I could share them with you.
About the Silent Night Memorial Chapel
As you walk along the paved walkway, you’ll hear the famous hymn playing on speakers.
Plaques line the walkway with the hymn translated into over 300 languages and dialects. Many, I’ve never heard of.
Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace;
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night! Holy night!Son of God, love’s pure lightRadiant beams from thy holy face,With the dawn of redeeming grace,Jesus, Lord, at thy birth;Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
Inside the tiny chapel, you’ll see a replicated chancel which is the part of the church where the clergy and choir will stand. This is near the altar and sometimes separated by steps or a screen.
You’ll also see information about the original chapel in Austria.
During your visit, you will learn the story of the first time Silent Night was sung.
The Pastor of the St. Nicholas church asked his friend, Franz Xaver Gruber to compose the music for the hymn that could be played on the guitar since the organ was not working.
Gruber composed the melody and the song was played, by guitar, for the first time on Christmas Eve in 1818. Silent Night is now the best known Christmas song in the entire world.
Another display shares the biblical account of the birth of Christ.
The chancel area is behind glass and contains an altar with the replica of Oberndorf’s hand-crocheted altar cloth. You’ll also see a crucifix carved in 1818, pews, a Nativity scene, and an Austrian-style Christmas tree.
Outside on the lawn, you’ll also find two life-size Nativity scenes.
The Silent Night Memorial Chapel is open daily except for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Every Christmas Eve, from 3 to 3:15 pm, a Bronner family member and a guitarist lead visitors in singing Silent Night.
If you’re looking for more faith-based attractions to visit on your next road trip, check out our post 21 Faith-Based Attractions in the United States.
Interested in more things to do in Frankenmuth? Check out these recommendations:
Celebrate Christmas every day of the year in Frankenmuth
Must Visit Frankenmuth Michigan Icons
How to Plan a Weekend Getaway to Frankenmuth, MI
uprunforlife
Friday 6th of January 2017
This chapel is beautiful. I would love to see it in person one of these days.
Silent Night is one of my favorite Christmas hymns.
Ann Bacciaglia
Thursday 5th of January 2017
I would love to go and see The Silent Night Memorial Chapel in person. These are fantastic photos.
Stephanie JEannot
Monday 26th of December 2016
What a beautiful church.