Welcome to Birch Leaf Chapel.

This chapel was the dream of Denise and Chris Akert and came to life when they asked Lily Fitch, a childhood friend of their children in Ester who studied architecture, to design the chapel.

The idea was to provide a beautiful and spiritual space to celebrate special moments in life. The little chapel is placed on top of the tailing piles left behind by the gold miners many years ago.

It took 16 local craftsmen to complete this chapel. Everything is exquisitely designed and executed, from the roof line to the door shaped like a birch leaf, to the rock walls and rod iron light fixtures.

The excavation and foundation was skillfully done by Chris. Denise contributed the stained glass windows, which are showcasing the four seasons in the upper panes and a floor to ceiling birch tree. When the sun rises over the hills and shines through the upper windows, the colors reflect on the ceiling as though it was northern lights.

The chapel can seat up to 30 people for wedding ceremonies, memorial services, concerts or recitals. It is meant for people to be inspired and to find peace and magic in special moments of life.

In summer of 2021, Scott Swingle and Jill Rosholt, owners of Jingle, LLC, Ester Gold Camp and Malemute Saloon purchased Birch Leaf Chapel. Excited to continue to help individuals and families build memories at the chapel, Scott and Jill look forward to caring for this beautiful facility for many years to come.