Bronner's Silent Night Chapel

The concept of erecting a replica of the original Silent Night Memorial Chapel on the premises of BRONNER'S CHRISTmas WONDERLAND in Frankenmuth, Michigan, took root when "Wally" Bronner visited Oberndorf/Salzburg, Austria, in 1976. The city government and the Visitors Bureau of Oberndorf granted the Bronner family permission to simulate the original Silent Night Memorial Chapel that is in Oberndorf, Austria.

Wm. Bronner & Son, general contractor, began construction of the chapel replica in May 1992. The octagonal 28' x 28' x 56' tall building was dedicated on November 20, 1992. Oberndorf's mayor from 1967-1992, Dr. Raimund Traintinger, and Volker and Norbert Wratschko from Graz, Austria, participated in the dedication ceremonies.

Bronner's Replica Chapel

On the chapel grounds, plaques with the hymn "Silent Night" in over 300 languages are located along a tranquil, lamppost-lined walkway featuring a "Silent Night" musical score arch and an inspiring life-size Nativity. The peaceful chapel interior consists of a walk-through area where through a glass divider, visitors can see the chancel area: an altar with a replica of Oberndorf's hand-crocheted altar cloth, a crucifix carved in 1818, pews, a Biblical account of the Christmas story, information about the hymn and composers, and a reproduction of the original musical score. Stained glass windows (a gift to the Bronner family by the staff) add to the serene atmosphere. A large Advent wreath, star, and crown hang from the ceiling. The message of Christ's birth, Luke 2:1-19, is shown in 30 languages. Information about the original chapel in Oberndorf, the communities where composers Mohr and Gruber served, and Bronner's chapel is on display.

"Silent Night" music may be heard inside and outside on the chapel grounds. Topped by a brilliant gold star, the chapel is fully illuminated at night and is and inspirational landmark at the south entrance to the city of Frankenmuth. A tribute of thankfulness to God from Wallace and Irene Bronner and family, the memorial chapel is open daily for visitation and meditation. (It is not intended for services or ceremonies).

"Stille Nacht" (Silent Night), the most beloved and widely known Christmas hymn in the world, has been translated into more languages than any other religious Christmas song. Pastor Joseph Mohr wrote the verses, and teacher Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music for the inspiring carol that was first sung, accompanied by guitar, on Christmas Eve 1818 in St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf.

The Oberndorf Chapel

In the spring of 1819, organ builder Carl Mauracher brought "Silent Night" to his home area of Fugen in Austria's Tyrol province. The Strasser and Rainer folk singers from Fugen included the song in their concerts, helping to spread the carol in Europe. In 1839 the Rainers brought "Silent Night" to the U.S.A. when they sang it in front of Wall Street's Trinity Church in New York City.

Oberndorf's St. Nicholas Church was damaged by the annual high waters of the Salzach River that flow from the Alpine Mountains in the Salzburg region. The church was rebuilt on higher ground in 1906. The impressive Silent Night Memorial Chapel was erected on a landscaped mound over the original St. Nicholas Church altar site and dedicated in 1937.

In 1990, Oberndorf officials supplied "Stille Nacht" to Wallace Bronner in 33 languages. By the 1992 dedication of the chapel replica in Frankenmuth, Bronner's collection had grown to 100. Guests continued submitting versions, making it possible for "Wally" to present 175 languages to Oberndorf's Silent Night Museum at the 175th Anniversary Silent Night Symposium at the University of Salzburg. For the 1999 Joseph Mohr Symposium in Wagrain, "Wally" presented the song in over 300 languages. There the governor of the Austrian province of Salzburg awarded "Wally" the Silver Medal for Science, Culture and Religion, which he accepted on behalf of all who contributed to the collection. "Silent Night" has become Austria's Christmas gift to the world.

On April1, 2008, Wally went to heaven following a brief illness. Up until the time of Wally's passing, he and a guest guitarist led visitors in singing "Silent Night" each year on December 24 from 3-3:15 p.m. in Bronner's Silent Night Chapel in celebration of our Savior's birth.

Visit the Silent Night Home Page with extensive information about the song, translations and multimedia files.

Visit the home page dedicated to the original Silent Night Memorial Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria.

Visit the webcam of the original Silent Night Chapel in Oberndorf, Austria.