Bower Chapel: A Legacy of Faith, Music, and Philanthropy
At Moorings Park, philanthropy is more than generosity—it is vision. It is the belief that what we build today should enrich the lives of those who come after us. This philosophy, often described as Cathedral Thinking, reflects the mindset of the great cathedral builders who worked with care and purpose, knowing their efforts would serve communities long beyond their lifetimes.
Few places embody that spirit more profoundly than Bower Chapel. For 25 years, it has stood as both a sanctuary and a symbol of what generosity can build.
The Visionary
Edwin H. Bower, a former Moorings Park resident, was born in 1906 on his family’s farm in Michigan. The youngest of five children, he came of age in a time defined by hardship and resilience. The Great Depression left a lasting imprint, shaping a lifelong philosophy: work hard, live modestly, value relationships, and never take prosperity for granted. Those who knew him often said he saw good fortune not simply as a gift—but as a responsibility to give back.
In his later years at Moorings Park, Ed sought a meaningful way to give back to the community he had come to love. He was the first to suggest the need for a chapel—not a grand structure, but a simple, intimate space for quiet prayer and reflection. What he envisioned was modest. What it became, through his generosity and the stewardship of his family, far exceeded anything he imagined.
The Chapel
Planning began in the late 1990s, guided by a shared belief that a thriving community must nurture the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With the leadership of his daughter, Marilyn Korest, and her husband, Alan, the vision for a non-denominational chapel began to take shape—one that would welcome all, regardless of background or belief.
Alan Korest brought a deep appreciation for architecture, music, and cultural spaces. He traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from chapels and cathedrals around the world, studying the elements that made them spiritually moving and timeless. Building upon Ed Bower’s original vision, Alan helped expand the concept of the chapel into something far greater—a space that would not only serve as a sanctuary, but also as a destination for music and the arts.
With Ed’s support, the project moved forward with extraordinary care and craftsmanship. Every detail—from the chapel’s soaring architecture to its remarkable acoustics—was designed to uplift and inspire. On October 22, 2000, Bower Chapel was formally dedicated. Its handcrafted pipe organ, considered to be an instrument of international significance, quickly established the chapel as a home for music as much as for worship.
Concerts, recitals, and cultural programs soon became cherished traditions, drawing residents and guests together in shared experiences of beauty and connection. The story of the chapel’s creation is beautifully chronicled in The Sanctuary, a book that captures the vision, craftsmanship, and devotion behind its design.
After Marilyn’s passing, Alan later found love again with Dolly Bodick. The two shared a deep appreciation for community, travel, and the enduring impact of philanthropy. Dolly has thoughtfully honored the legacy Alan and Marilyn built together, holding space for the love they shared while celebrating Marilyn’s passion for music, the arts, and giving back—values that remain woven into the fabric of the Southwest Florida community.
In June 2022, the chapel served as the setting for the memorial service of Alan Korest—a fitting tribute to a man whose leadership helped bring it to life.
Today, Dolly carries that commitment forward with remarkable care and intention. Through her leadership roles, including serving on the Bower Chapel Advisory Committee and as Resident’s Council Campus President, she helps ensure the chapel remains a place of belonging and connection for all. She has also played a meaningful role in planning milestone celebrations, including the chapel’s 25th anniversary, and shares its history through personal talks—keeping its story, and the people behind it, alive for future generations.
A Living Legacy
Bower Chapel stands as a testament to the enduring power of vision and generosity. Its legacy lives in every concert, every wedding, every memorial, and every quiet moment of reflection. It lives in the memories created within its walls and in the community it continues to inspire.
Because meaningful giving is never just for today—it is for all the tomorrows to come.
“The chapel is more than a place—it’s where people come together in life’s most meaningful moments. It holds so many memories for our family and for this community, bringing comfort, connection, and peace to all who enter.”
• Dolly Bodick Korest
Honoring a Quarter Century of Inspiration
In 2025, Moorings Park celebrated Bower Chapel’s 25th anniversary—honoring not only the building itself, but the people whose generosity shaped its story. Residents, families, and friends gathered to celebrate what many call the “soul of Moorings Park”, a place where music, memory, and meaning converge.
The anniversary also paid tribute to the philanthropic spirit that made the chapel possible. Leaders like Alan Korest exemplified the belief that true generosity is not measured by what we give today, but by the lives we touch tomorrow. During the month-long celebration’s closing concert, Dolly Bodick Korest announced a transformational gift in honor of Alan—continuing a legacy of vision, generosity, and enduring impact.
Bower Chapel reflects the heart of Moorings Park Communities:
A cultural treasure, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and internationally significant handcrafted pipe organ
A home for music, hosting concerts, recitals, and performances that have become cherished traditions
A place of remembrance, where families gather to honor loved ones—including the service for Alan Korest
A place of celebration, where partners and families exchange wedding vows, marking new beginnings
A sanctuary for reflection, offering space for prayer, meditation, and personal peace
Together, these moments reflect Bower Chapel’s unique role as both a spiritual haven and a vibrant cultural center—one that continues to evolve with the communities it serves.