The Artistic Legacy of the Chapel of the Prodigal: A Journey Through Faith and Fresco
John Kim Chapel of the Prodigal
The Chapel Building
The Chapel of the Prodigal and the McGowan Center for Christian Studies embodies Montreat College's mission through its striking mountain Gothic design. Architect Richard A. Henley seamlessly integrated the structure into the valley landscape, using over two hundred year old timber for the roof trusses. This harmonious design enhances both the campus and local community. The chapel features an Allen Renaissance Organ and a carillon with sixty-one bells, while the balcony includes the Ruth Bell Graham Prayer Room with the calligraphy "Come Unto Me." The ground floor hosts Montreat's Christian Ministries Division, offering spaces for learning and reflection.
Open Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p, Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p, the chapel welcomes visitors outside class hours. Its interior centers around the fresco "Return of the Prodigal," a 16x17.5 foot work depicting Luke 15's parable of unconditional divine love—a rare true fresco by artist Ben Long, whose background includes apprenticeships in Florence and international acclaim.
The Return of the Prodigal
This fresco, Montreat's only known true fresco on this parable, showcases the father's joyful reunion with his prodigal son. Long's expertise in fresco technique—applying pigments to wet lime plaster—revives this ancient art form. Visitors can explore the chapel's design, which complements the fresco's narrative, or watch a behind-the-scenes video of its creation. The chapel also offers guided tours and resources like transcripts for deeper engagement with its spiritual and artistic legacy.
The Artist, Ben Long
Long's journey from Florence to global recognition highlights his mastery of fresco, drawing, and oil painting. His work, featured in Italy, France, and seven North Carolina sites, bridges tradition and modernity.
