Fred W. Symmes Chapel Explained

Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known locally as "Pretty Place", is an open-air chapel located in Cleveland, South Carolina. Built in 1941 by Fred Symmes, it is situated on Stone Mountain at an elevation of 3,200 feet^[1] overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.^{[2] [3]} It is visited by an estimated 312,000 people annually.^[4]

The chapel was extensively damaged by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

History

In 1921, the land on which the chapel would be constructed was sold to YMCA Camp Greenville by the Cleveland family. Camp Greenville would then close due to the First World War, and would then reopen in 1925. The chapel would then after be constructed in 1941 with donations from the Fred Symmes Foundation.^{[5] [6]}

In September 2024, the chapel received extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, with over half of the roof taken off by the storm, along with several support beams. The cross received no damage.^{[7] [8]}

References

35.1338°N -82.5754°W

Notes and References

1. Web site: Hernandez . Kristina . 2024-01-25 . This is Greenville's Most Beautiful Mountaintop Chapel . 2024-04-09 . Kidding Around Greenville . en-US.
2. Web site: Symmes Chapel at Pretty Place . 2024-04-09 . discoversouthcarolina.com . en.
3. Web site: Bleiberg . Larry . From the Empty Quarter in Oman to Easter Island: 10 remote places to find peace and quiet . 2024-04-09 . USA TODAY . en-US.
4. Web site: Staff Reports . 2023-01-16 . "Pretty Place" Chapel closing for renovations . 2024-04-09 . The Transylvania Times . en.
5. Web site: 2021-05-19 . Pretty Place: Finding peace in a pandemic . 2024-05-08 . wltx.com . en-US.
6. Web site: Fred W. Symmes Chapel . 2024-05-08 . Clio . en.
7. Web site: Beloved Chapel's Cross Stands As "A Beacon Of Hope" Amidst Hurricane Helene Destruction In The Blue Ridge Mountains . 2024-10-07 . Southern Living . en.
8. Web site: Snipes . Anisa . 2024-10-02 . Pretty Place Chapel damaged by Hurricane Helene but the cross still stands . 2024-10-07 . Fox Carolina . en.