Mixing old and new on Utah Avenue: Event venue and food creations too

It has been a long, difficult and enjoyable journey, but when Kari Martell bought a 100-year-old church, she wanted to do it right.

After almost a year of repairs and decorating, Kari Martell has announced the opening of the new venue location the Hidden Chapel, and Mandy Bell has also announced the opening of the Gracious Table, both in the historic Scandinavian Lutheran Church, one of the oldest structures in Libby.

The venue will offer a host for small parties such as weddings, business meetings, birthdays, anniversaries and any type of small gathering people would like to enjoy.

When Martell purchased the building, there were a lot of structural issues to overcome. The turn-of-the-century building — formerly the location of two restaurants and two churches — had deteriorated over years of unuse. The bell tower was crooked due to a crumbling foundation, the outside had not been painted in many years, the inside has layers of peeling wallpaper and some areas of the floor were crooked from the foundation crumbling. The kitchen, which was grandfathered into the site prior to Martell’s purchase, needed to be updated.

Despite the challenges Martell faced, she was in love with the building and its history, feeling that it needed to be saved.

“All the stories I hear that people tell me are just crazy,” Martell said. “People have a lot of memories here.”

After a year’s work of repair, Martell said she researched and worked to keep the church’s historic charm while adding some of her own.

Those who know Martell describe her as full of creative ideas, which shows in the venue’s decorations. The walls, painted yellow with a brown trim, are decorated with a mix of antique and modern 1920’s style artwork like the bathrooms in the back. The ceilings are decorated with string lights, and rows of tables sit where guests can enjoy the quiet and secluded atmosphere. Only licensed cooks can use the commercial kitchen in the back, but people can bring food from home for potlucks.

The kitchen is the home to Bell’s new business, the Gracious Table. Bell can provide reservation-only dinners for up to 10 at the Hidden Chapel and catering. The reservation-only dinners can either be a party, or a group of two can sign up and meet those who also signed up. During the five-course meal, she also provides a cooking demonstration.

Teaching, she said, is one of her biggest passions.

“That’s one of my biggest strengths,” Bell said. “I’m someone who likes to share with others and watch others develop their own skills.”

Bell, who has worked with schools, churches and in restaurants as a cook, has dreamed of opening up the business for many years. While she admits she doesn’t come from a “foodie” family, she and her sister grew a love for food through the years, admiring the process and the way it unites people.

“[Cooking] is creative,” Bell said. ”It’s hospitality. It’s welcoming people with food around the table. It’s a conversation.”

Bell’s menu for her first month will be “A Taste of Spain.”

Their open house will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

The Hidden Chapel is located at 1207 Utah Ave. in Libby. For questions or to make a reservation, call 334-1056. For more information, visit their websites, thehiddenchapel.com or gracioustable.org.