Past Meets Present: Chapel Bay Opens in Port Townsend
Chapel Bay, a new venue for weddings and events, has recently opened in Port Townsend, Washington. The beautifully restored Gothic-style building sits high on a bluff overlooking the town’s historic district. Just beyond, panoramic views of Admiralty Inlet, Port Townsend Bay, and the Cascade Mountains create a stunning backdrop.
The building was brought to Port Townsend on a barge from Bellingham sometime in the 1860’s. According to church records, it was acquired and put into service as a parish hall for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 1890. A century later or so later, when St. Paul’s made plans to build a new hall, the building was offered for sale. Negotiations eventually put the building into the hands of Peneè d’Amico, a third-generation native of Port Townsend, with ownership transferred on February 14, 1997. The building was moved several blocks down Jefferson Street to its new home, where it was placed securely on a specially engineered foundation on the steep hillside. It took seven years and much persistence for the building’s new owner to complete the restoration, which included bringing the structure’s wiring, plumbing, and access up to date while keeping the architectural integrity intact.
D’Amico has been a wedding and event planner in Port Townsend for the past several years. With her chapel now ready for use, she is anxious to share this historic and unique place. "I envision this as the setting for all of life’s celebrations," explains D’Amico. "Not only weddings, but birthdays, anniversaries, and memorials, as well as holiday parties and even business meetings and conferences. Everyone who walks inside is captivated by the building’s high ceilings, arched windows, and simple, elegant ambiance. And when our outside deck is finished next fall, it will add even more charm, with it’s vista of the water and mountains."
The non-denominational vintage building can be rented for groups of up to seventy people. Chairs and tables are included and can be arranged in a traditional chapel style or for a reception. Linens and tableware are also available. D’Amico’s event planning services can assist in finding vendors for catering, flowers, music, and photography. For information on rates and availability, call Peneè D’Amico at 360-302-1232 or email at chapelbay@olypen.com.