About Sierra Chapel at White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico:
Sierra Chapel was originally constructed during World War II at Camp Luna near Las Vegas, New Mexico. Camp Luna served as a basic training and advanced aerial gunnery training facility for the U.S. Army and Air Force. The chapel was dismantled sometime after the war and moved to White Sands Missile Range to serve the religious needs of all those working or assigned here.
After the new Post Chapel was built, Sierra Chapel was designated for Catholic Services. It is believed to be the only surviving, primarily unaltered 700 series military chapel in New Mexico. These 700 series chapels were during World War II using standardized designs developed by the Army to quickly construct facilities at military installations during the war. While initially intended to be temporary structures for the duration of the war, some proved so robust that they remained in use for decades.
On June 20, 2025, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the Archbishop for the Military Archdiocese designated Sierra Chapel as a place for pilgrimage where Jubilee Indulgence is obtained during the Jubilee Year that began Dec. 24, 2024 through Jan. 6, 2026.
Traveling to the Sierra Chapel at White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico:
Since this is an active military installation, there are certain restrictions for adittance to the base.
Access requirements for U.S. citizens:
Valid ID: You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID that meets REAL ID standards.
Background check: You must pass a National Crime Information Center (NCIC-III) background check at the Visitor Control Center (VCC).
Visitor pass: After passing the background check, you will be issued a visitor’s pass.
Vehicle restrictions: In general, members of the public are not permitted to drive their personal vehicles onto the base and must walk from the gate to the chapel. Exceptions may be made for visitors with medical conditions by requesting permission at the VCC.
Entry gate: The VCC is located at the Las Cruces Gate, south of US-70.
Access requirements for non-U.S. citizens::
ID requirements: You must present your passport or visa at the Las Cruces Gate VCC.
Background check: You must also undergo a background check. Non-U.S. citizens are not permitted to drive onto the base and must walk from the gate.
Phone: + 1 (575) 678-2615.
Click here for the official website of White Sands military chapel
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