Ernesto Memorial Chapel

{{Short description|Historic place in Camuy, Puerto Rico}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox NRHP | name = Ernesto Memorial Chapel | nrhp_type = | image = Iglesia de Piedra -3 (4846220764).jpg | caption = Ernesto Memorial Chapel | nearest_city= Camuy, Puerto Rico | locmapin = Puerto Rico | coordinates = {{coord|18.43292| -66.854593|region:US-PR|format=dms|display=inline, title}} | built = {{Start date|1912}} | architect = Munson, Albert | architecture = Bungalow/craftsman | added = July 8, 2010 | area = less than one acre | refnum = 10000453<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://catalog.archives.gov/id/131518450|title = Puerto Rico SP Ernesto Memorial Chapel|series = File Unit: National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks Program Records: Puerto Rico, 1/1/1964 - 12/31/2013}}</ref> }}

The '''Ernesto Memorial Chapel''', also known as the '''{{lang|es|Iglesia de Piedra}}''' (Stone Church) and the '''{{lang|es|Iglesia Metodista de Piedra}}''' (Methodist Stone Church) is located in Abra Honda, a rural barrio in Camuy, Puerto Rico. After the Kiplinger family lost their 21-year-old son, Ernesto, they donated money for the building of the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/ernesto-memorial-chapel/|title=Discover a Church Made of Rocks - Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide|website=Puerto Rico Day Trips|accessdate=30 June 2019}}</ref>

The unique, stone chapel was designed by architect Albert Munson in a Craftsman style. The church took five years to build and was completed in 1912. The chapel measures about eighty square meters and has a pitched, wooden roof. Its most striking element is that it's made of limestone stones, and built by hand.<ref name="NRHP registration form">{{cite web |title=Ernesto Memorial Chapel |url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/hispanic/2010/ErnestoMemorialChapel.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210030647/https://www.nps.gov/nR/feature/hispanic/2010/ErnestoMemorialChapel.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 10, 2017 |website=NRHP |publisher=United States Department of the Interior |accessdate=29 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/Hispanic/2010/ernesto_memorial_chapel.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012163606/http://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/Hispanic/2010/ernesto_memorial_chapel.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 12, 2014|title=Ernesto Memorial Chapel -- Hispanic Heritage Month -- National Register of Historic Places Official Website--Part of the National Park Service|website=NPS|accessdate=30 June 2019}}</ref>

Except for around the windows, the mortar used as an adhesive between the stones is practically imperceptible, creating the impression that the stones are supported by their own geometric tie and weight. The building lacks a foundation. The main facade of the building is dominated by an impressive portico on which the belfry is supported. It houses the original bell of 1912. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 8, 2010.<ref name="NRHP registration form" />

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Category:Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Puerto Rico Category:Churches completed in 1912 Category:1912 establishments in Puerto Rico Category:Methodist churches in Puerto Rico Category:Camuy, Puerto Rico Category:Stone churches Category:Chapels in the Caribbean Category:American Craftsman architecture in Puerto Rico