This is a photo of one of two chapels that once occupied a place on the Knott’s Berry Farm property. This one, known as the Little Chapel by the Lake, has been demolished, while the other has been relocated.
Private Edition by Paul v. Klieben
The description is written in the form of a personal message:
THE LITTLE CHAPEL BY THE LAKE
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif.
In this little Adobe Chapel we have sen the most inspiring painting of the Christ called “The Transfiguration”, as beautiful and fitting end to a very enjoyable visit to the Farm and its spectacular Ghost Town.
–The painting was made to glow in the dark under ultra-violet light, and when so illuminated, the eyes of the Christ portrait would appear to open and look at the viewer. This card likely dates to the 1950s.
How can I get this card of Jesus opening his eyes in the dark. I would like to get some for my grandchildren.
Given the age of this card, I am not certain that they are still available for sale. However, the best place to try is at Knott’s Berry Farm, which can be contacted at this address:
https://www.knotts.com/contact-us
There is a submission form at the bottom of their web page where you can ask if the cards you want are still made and sold. Otherwise, you might have some luck on a site like eBay for used copies.
Hi Linda… sometimes the card with the drawing of Jesus is available on EBay. You have to search for it now and then.
I remember as a kid in the 50’s visiting Knott’s and attending the small chapel showing. It was very inspiring. My parents bought us a card with a picture of Christ on it and his eyes were closed. If you held the card under a light for a few seconds and the turned off the lights in the room, Christ’s eyes would open.
Also, I never knew until later in life what the music was that played during the presentation of the painting. It was Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata. When everyone was seated in the chapel, the doors covering the large painting were shut. As the music started playing the doors slowly opened and all observed the painting of Christ with his eye closed. After a minute or so, the lights began to dim and as the room became dark, Christs eyes appeared to open. And after another minute the large doors covering the painting began to close and when they were completely closed again, the lights came on.
The picture of the chapel on this website is the image I remember of the small chapel.
Thanks very much for the memories! I was at Knott’s about 20 years later, but did not stop at this location during my visit.
Hi I just mentioned this wonderful memory of The little Chapel by the Lake and the beautiful painting, ‘Transfiguration of Christ’ I was so glad to visit this sight and read the comments! It was quite an experience and made a huge impact! I too wish to find the little card that glowed in the dark with Jesus’s eyes opened, after holding it up to the light!!!!
Be sure to try the link above for Knott’s Berry Farm to see if they have any still for sale.