Kapelle Butz Mels

The first donation to a fund for the construction of a chapel on the Vorderberg was made by an anonymous donor in 1892. However, the residents could not agree on a location for a long time. On November 4, 1928, the parish assembly decided to build the chapel at its current site on "Lütschbord." The architect Johannes Scheier from St. Gallen carried out the construction in the years 1938/39. The choice of location—with views of the Falknis, Gonzen, and Alvier mountain ranges, the Seez River and the wide Rhine plain below, and the Melserberg behind—was very fortunate. The architectural elements—tower, vestibule, and main building—combine to form a harmonious trio. The simplicity of the structure shows a resemblance to Sargans Castle and the distant St. George’s Chapel near Berschis. The chapel was painted by Ferdinand Gehr. On the inner rear wall, St. Anthony of Padua is shown kneeling. The altarpiece features figures from purgatory in the altar niche. The main image is the Transfiguration of Christ. The entire composition of the paintings represents the suffering, the militant (through John the Baptist), and the triumphant Church. The wall paintings depict scenes from the life of Christ: the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, the Annunciation to the Shepherds, the Nativity, the Flight into Egypt, and the Mater Dolorosa. Opinions remain divided regarding the artistic value of the paintings and, more importantly, whether they inspire devotion among the faithful. In September 1939, the solemn consecration of the chapel was carried out by the Most Reverend Bishop Josephus Meile of St. Gallen.