McGaha Chapel Still Reuniting The Community

The McGaha Chapel, completed in 1872 and situated on a wooded hillside along the old Johnstone Turnpike, is a reminder of a by-gone time when people walked, rode horseback or came in wagons to their house of worship and listened outside its open windows, if all the pews were filled.

Simple decorations add to the festive atmosphere inside the
147-year-old McGaha Chapel during the annual holiday sing.

The Chapel is a symbol of reconciliation, serving as a means to reunite a community and families divided during the Civil War.  The men of the area built a small, sturdy one-room structure of poplar from the surrounding forest.  Hand-pressed glass filled the eight windows and allowed for plenty of light.  The hand-made pews of single boards illustrate the size of some of the nearby trees.  The simple pulpit and mourner’s bench, and probably the pews, were crafted by A. J. Loftis who deeded the property to the church.

The church had an active congregation until about 1930 when improved roads and transportation enabled worshippers to travel farther for service.

Today the little chapel in the woods is owned and maintained by the Transylvania County Historical Society.  It is open twice a year, in June and December, for community sings.  The rustic chapel, decorated with fresh greenery, is the perfect setting to step back in time and share in the singing of traditional carols followed by homemade treats on Sunday, December 1 at 2:30 pm.

Fresh carnation add holiday color to the fresh-cut tree.

Be sure to check out the December 2019 issue of Our State magazine for a wonderful article, “Tiny but Mighty” by Susan Stafford Kelly about the historic McGaha Chapel and this annual event.

The Historical Society along with the Sherwood Forest and the Greater Cedar Mountain communities sponsor this annual event.  Parking is available at the Sherwood Forest Robin Hood Center with a shuttle to the Chapel—arrive early to allow time to catch a ride or to walk to the Chapel.  The Robin Hood Center is located on US 276 South (Greenville Hwy) with roadside signs identifying parking.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library. Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs. For more information, comments, or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-1820.