Pretty Place Chapel Set to Reopen After Hurricane Damage

News Summary

Pretty Place Chapel, located in northern Greenville County, is set to reopen on January 3 following extensive repairs from Hurricane Helene’s damage. The iconic wooden cross has been reinstalled, symbolizing hope for the community. While some repairs are complete, the chapel faces challenges ahead with the need to replace damaged pews and canceled events. Community support has been pivotal in the recovery efforts, and reopening plans are underway to restore normal operations and reconnect residents with this cherished landmark.

Pretty Place Chapel Set to Reopen Following Hurricane Helene Damage

After enduring the wrath of Hurricane Helene nearly 100 days ago, Pretty Place Chapel, also known as Fred W. Symmes Chapel, is finally on the road to recovery and has announced plans to reopen to the public on January 3. The chapel, nestled in northern Greenville County just south of the North Carolina border, suffered extensive damage during the storm, which led to significant repairs over the past few months.

Reinstallation of the Iconic Cross

In a significant milestone for the chapel, the iconic wooden cross, a symbol of strength and faith for many in the community, has been successfully re-installed. This pivotal moment was overseen by Nicholas Patton, Director of Operations for Pretty Place/Camp Greenville, alongside Austin Eckles from Hogan Construction Group, LLC. The announcement of the cross’s reinstatement was shared on the chapel’s social media platforms, marking one of the most anticipated moments in the chapel’s recovery journey.

Extent of the Damage

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Carolina region, inflicting damage not only to Pretty Place Chapel but also to the surrounding YMCA Camp Greenville. The storm notably destroyed half of the chapel’s roof and damaged several support beams. However, in an incredible twist of fate, the beloved wooden cross emerged from the storm unscathed, serving as a beacon of hope amidst widespread devastation.

The aftermath of the storm left the camp with hundreds of uprooted trees and downed power lines, marking the most significant damage in the camp’s 100-year history. The community mobilized quickly for cleanup efforts, showcasing their resilience and dedication to preserving this cherished landmark.

Challenges Ahead

While repairs to the roof have been undertaken, many pews inside the chapel need to be replaced, given the extent of the water damage. The chapel has the capacity to accommodate approximately 350 people, making its role as a wedding venue and space for memorial services even more poignant for the local community. Due to the damages sustained, all fall programming and weddings scheduled for 2024 have unfortunately been canceled, leading to a significant impact on the chapel’s calendar.

Community Support and Future Outlook

The emotional ties that residents have to Pretty Place Chapel have propelled community support through various social media platforms. This demonstrates the depth of connection that many locals exhibit towards this landmark. In light of the recovery efforts, a dedicated page on the Camp Greenville website has been established to facilitate donations and volunteer sign-ups to assist once conditions improve.

As preparations continue for the reopening, officials remain optimistic about reestablishing normal operations by January. Plans are in motion to resume traditional summer camp programs in 2025, aiming to restore the sense of community that the chapel and Camp Greenville embody.

Visiting the Chapel

The chapel will open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend following the announcement. For many, this will be a moment filled with emotion and a chance to reconnect with a place that holds significant memories and values. As repairs conclude and operations resume, the community can once again embrace Pretty Place Chapel as a cherished destination for reflection, celebration, and unity.

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Additional Resources

• Fox Carolina
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
• MSN News
• Google Search: Pretty Place Chapel
• WMBF News
• Google Scholar: Pretty Place Chapel
• Southern Living
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Pretty Place Chapel