January 4, 2025

Pretty Place Chapel in South Carolina Reopens After Renovation

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News Summary

Pretty Place Chapel, a beloved site in South Carolina, is set to reopen on January 3 after significant renovations following the devastation from Hurricane Helene. The restoration includes the reinstalling of the iconic cross and other structural repairs. The community has rallied to support the restoration efforts, highlighting the chapel’s significance as a venue for weddings and a sanctuary for visitors. Although many damages remain, the reopening marks a positive turning point for the cherished location and Camp Greenville.

Pretty Place Chapel in South Carolina Readies for Grand Reopening

After experiencing devastating damage from Hurricane Helene in September, the highly cherished Pretty Place Chapel is set to welcome back visitors with open arms. Located at an elevation of 3,200 feet above sea level in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this revered site will reopen its doors to the public on January 3, fully restored and shining anew.

Iconic Features Back in Place

One of the stand-out achievements in the restoration process is the re-installation of the chapel’s distinctive cross. Nicholas Patton, the Director of Operations at Pretty Place/Camp Greenville, together with Austin Eckles from Hogan Construction Group, LLC, played pivotal roles in this significant milestone. Recent updates have been posted on the chapel’s social media channels, celebrating this achievement and building excitement for the reopening.

A Storm to Remember: Hurricane Helene’s Impact

September’s Hurricane Helene brought with it a wave of destruction that was described as the “worst damage in our 100-year history” by Camp Greenville officials. The chapel lost half of its roof, and numerous support beams suffered damage. Miraculously, the cross remained standing throughout the tempest, symbolizing resilience amid turmoil.

While the repairs to the roof and structural supports have been successfully completed, it has come to light that many of the chapel’s pews will need to be replaced due to the storm damage. In addition to the chapel, numerous cabins throughout the campgrounds were heavily affected by falling trees, and the property was dotted with uprooted trees and downed power lines in the aftermath of the storm.

Community Supports Through the Struggle

The community’s response in the wake of Hurricane Helene has been remarkable. Social media has seen an outpouring of support, with many individuals and organizations offering help in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts. Camp Greenville has set up a dedicated page on its website for donations and volunteer sign-ups, allowing the public to assist with the restoration.

Forecasting Future Restorations

In addition to the current reopening, plans are already underway for potential restoration of the summer camps by 2025. However, due to the extensive damage, all fall programming and remaining weddings for 2024 have unfortunately been canceled. Pretty Place Chapel is not only a serene location for worship and reflection; it also serves as a popular venue, hosting around 550 weddings annually and attracting over 325,000 visitors each year.

A Positive Outlook for Camp Greenville

Nestled in Cleveland, South Carolina, just south of the North Carolina border, Camp Greenville — which features Pretty Place Chapel — typically accommodates around 2,500 campers each summer. As restoration efforts continue and the chapel prepares for its reopening, it stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the area’s community spirit and solidarity in the face of natural disaster.

The reopening of Pretty Place Chapel not only signifies a return to normalcy but also heralds a new chapter of resilience and revival for the beloved location. With the chapel’s breathtaking views and now restored structure, visitors are eager to return to this serene and picturesque sanctuary.