Portuguese Chapel
The U.P.S.E.S. (United Portuguese Sociedade do Espírito Santo) was initially established in the Point Loma area of San Diego to help erect a chapel and meeting hall for the local Portuguese community. The Portuguese Chapel, or Império Capela, was completed and inaugurated in 1922. The design of the small (12′ x 20′), single-story, wood frame building was inspired by similar chapels, dating back centuries, from the Isles of Terceira and Pico, in the Azores. Today, the Portuguese Chapel is still the focal point of the annual UPSES Feast of the Holy Spirit, which is understood to be the longest running ethnic celebration in San Diego. Since construction in 1922, the Chapel has continued to house the Crown of the Holy Spirit during the annual Feast of the Holy Spirit celebration. The Chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego, San Diego County
Photographer: John Bare