The Brady Memorial Chapel stands as a proud local landmark at the entrance of Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho. Built between 1919 and 1922 to honor James H. Brady—former Idaho Governor and U.S. Senator—the chapel is a striking example of French Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by architect Frank Paradice and constructed by Alex Mathers, it was dedicated on Memorial Day, 1922, the same day the Lincoln Memorial was unveiled in Washington, D.C.
Originally open to the public for reflection and meditation, the chapel served the community until 1961. After that, it was repurposed as a storage facility and fell into disrepair. In 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Some repair work was completed in 1988, including ceiling, door, and roof restoration. The stained-glass windows, originally designed by Herman Pierson, were also restored by Judy Countrell and protected with Plexiglass covers. A 1920s-style chandelier was installed to serve as an eternal light in memory of Twyla Thomas, a passionate advocate for the chapel’s preservation.
From the mid-1980s through 2015, the City’s Cemetery Committee and Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) worked steadily—with limited funding and generous in-kind contributions—to improve and maintain the chapel. In 2016, HPC ramped up its efforts through events like Memorial Day and Veterans Day open houses, the Before All Hallows’ Eve Scavenger Hunt, and the Stones to Stories program.
By 2019, it became clear that more substantial funding was needed. The Planning & Development Services Department and HPC requested support from the City Council to address pressing structural repairs. Council approved the request, with the condition that a comprehensive capital campaign plan be developed to secure sustainable restoration funding and a long-term maintenance endowment.
That plan came together in 2020, setting the stage for major restoration efforts.
In 2024, Phase I of restoration was completed. This included cleaning and repointing the masonry, along with replacing the deteriorated pinnacles using historically accurate replicas. Funding for this phase included $72,000 from the City, $13,000 in private donations, $10,000 from the Idaho Heritage Trust, and $5,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Future restoration phases will address:
- Repair of the slate roof
- Refurbishment of stained-glass windows and doors
- Interior masonry repointing and repair
- Restoration of finishes including floors and replica pews
- Installation of radiant heating to stabilize interior temperature and humidity
The City of Pocatello, HPC, and Friends of the Brady Chapel remain committed to preserving this historic gem and will continue pursuing funding and support to ensure its lasting legacy.