Announcement
McKinney Chapel Committee Purchases McKinney Chapel Property
The McKinney Chapel Committee, 501©3, is pleased to announce the purchase of the McKinney Chapel and graveyard which secures its future and care in serving the Vineyards and surrounding communities. This acquisition was made possible through the generous donation of Kim and Pat Popovits. We are eternally grateful for their love of the chapel and concern for its preservation. Originally set aside as a community center by John McKinney in 1820, the property was formally committed as a place of divine worship in 1892. The McKinney Chapel Trust was created and the property the McKinney, Stewart and Chapman families donated for the chapel and the graveyard was placed in the trust. In 1937 the trust was disolved and the McKinney Chapel property was gifted to Grace United Methodist Church, which subsequently transferred it to the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. This purchase returns the property to a community - owned and community focused asset. It is our hope that, under the Committee’s management, the chapel’s use will be expanded and become a community center for meetings, weddings and gatherings going forward.
Now the repair and restoration work begins! In 1982, led by Georgia Chapman, her friends and family, the chapel was rebuilt and cared for. Her dedication was an inspiration to all of us, and it is our intent to honor and continue her work. In order for us to bring the chapel to current codes and
standards, the needs are great.
Our estimates are as follows:
• New Electric Panel and rewiring of the pavilion, outdoor lighting – $15,000.00
• HVAC system rework or replacement - TBD
• Improved insulation (underneath the chapel) - TBD
• Bathroom re-fixturing, flooring, walls and plumbing - $3,200.00
• Bathroom roof repair, entrance clean up and rebuilding of stairs - $800.00
• Repainting the exterior and roof - $9,000.00
• Driveway regrading – TBD
• Landscape repair of chapel and graveyard - $2,000.00
Now that this community treasure is our responsibility with opportunity for expanded use, we hope that you will support us through donations for the repairs and renovation we need to do. Tax deductible donations for the restoration work should be designated for the McKinney Chapel Preservation Fund (mail address below).
We are also looking for volunteers to participate in this community opportunity. If you are interested in working on the Committee, please contact Dick Bollman at (203) 981-8646.
McKinney Chapel Committee, a 501©3 Non-Profit Organization Mail Address:
PO Box 43 | Sunset, SC 29685
FAQs
McKinney Chapel Purchase 1-16-23
When is the McKinney Chapel purchase effective and who owns it?
McKinney Chapel was purchased effective January 13, 2023 by the McKinney Chapel Committee of Lake Keowee, Inc. from the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
McKinney Chapel Committee, a 501©3 organization, is the owner.
Where did the money come from for the purchase?
The funds to purchase the McKinney Chapel property came from very generous donors Kim and Pat Popovits, and we are extremely grateful that they were willing to step up to preserve this historical gem in our community.
I heard that the Keowee Vineyards Community Association (POA) may become the owner.
While there was discussion with the POA about potential ownership, at this time the McKinney Chapel Committee is the owner. McKinney Chapel Committee, as a 501c3 organization, may have some limitations regarding what it can and cannot do with the property. The Committee is seeking guidance from its attorney so they don't put their 501c3 status at risk.
Does the purchase include the graveyard?
Yes.
What are the McKinney Chapel Committee’s plans for the Chapel?
The Committee plans to continue having monthly multi-denominational services and services on certain holidays. We also intend to make improvements to the Chapel facilities to be able to make it available for use as a meeting place for the community.
If someone is interested in reserving the Chapel, how does he/she reserve it?
The McKinney Chapel Committee is still working out the guidelines and processes for reserving and using the Chapel for a community meeting, wedding, or function. When complete those guidelines and processes will be published on our webpage on Vineyards Connections and on our mckinneychapel.com website.
Is there a fund for the maintenance and preservation of McKinney Chapel?
Yes; In conjunction with the Chapel's 200th anniversary in 2020, a preservation fund was established. If you would like to donate to it, please send a check to:
McKinney Chapel Committee Attn. Preservation Fund
PO Box 43 Sunset, SC 29685
Who should I contact if I have additional questions or want to volunteer:
Please contact Dick Bollman, President of the McKinney Chapel Committee, at [email protected]
When is the McKinney Chapel purchase effective and who owns it?
McKinney Chapel was purchased effective January 13, 2023 by the McKinney Chapel Committee of Lake Keowee, Inc. from the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.
McKinney Chapel Committee, a 501©3 organization, is the owner.
Where did the money come from for the purchase?
The funds to purchase the McKinney Chapel property came from very generous donors Kim and Pat Popovits, and we are extremely grateful that they were willing to step up to preserve this historical gem in our community.
I heard that the Keowee Vineyards Community Association (POA) may become the owner.
While there was discussion with the POA about potential ownership, at this time the McKinney Chapel Committee is the owner. McKinney Chapel Committee, as a 501c3 organization, may have some limitations regarding what it can and cannot do with the property. The Committee is seeking guidance from its attorney so they don't put their 501c3 status at risk.
Does the purchase include the graveyard?
Yes.
What are the McKinney Chapel Committee’s plans for the Chapel?
The Committee plans to continue having monthly multi-denominational services and services on certain holidays. We also intend to make improvements to the Chapel facilities to be able to make it available for use as a meeting place for the community.
If someone is interested in reserving the Chapel, how does he/she reserve it?
The McKinney Chapel Committee is still working out the guidelines and processes for reserving and using the Chapel for a community meeting, wedding, or function. When complete those guidelines and processes will be published on our webpage on Vineyards Connections and on our mckinneychapel.com website.
Is there a fund for the maintenance and preservation of McKinney Chapel?
Yes; In conjunction with the Chapel's 200th anniversary in 2020, a preservation fund was established. If you would like to donate to it, please send a check to:
McKinney Chapel Committee Attn. Preservation Fund
PO Box 43 Sunset, SC 29685
Who should I contact if I have additional questions or want to volunteer:
Please contact Dick Bollman, President of the McKinney Chapel Committee, at [email protected]