Sunday, April 02, 2000

'Smallest chapel' was almost lost

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Thomas More is new home

BY GENE FRANZEN
Enquirer Contributor

        CRESTVIEW HILLS — The diminutive shrine — at times hailed as “the smallest church in the world” and “the smallest chapel in the world” — graces the campus of Thomas More College.

        But the Monte Casino Chapel, with stained glass windows and a fieldstone exterior, once nearly perished after more than 40 years of neglect.

Monte Casino Chapel. | ZOOM |

        With interior dimensions of only 6 by 9 feet, the chapel was built by the Benedictine Brothers in 1879 at their monastery and vineyard atop Buena Vista Hill, overlooking Covington and Latonia.

        Prohibition ended the monks' wine-making business. The monastery was closed, and from about 1920, the chapel sat neglected.

        Bits and pieces began to disappear. The stone steeple cross and a crucifix were among items taken.

        Eventually, Fred Riedinger purchased the land, donated the chapel to the college, and arranged for the 50-ton structure to be moved in 1965.

        “Bogged down by thawing ground and persistent rain, it took four months to move it,” said Jack Kathman, Mr. Riedinger's son-in-law.

        Now and Then, a look at historic people and places in Northern Kentucky, is published Sunday in The Kentucky Enquirer. If there is a person or place you would like to see featured, call 578-5555.

       

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