​June 4, 2026
 
McKinney Chapel Committee of Lake Keowee, Inc.
Rules and Guidelines for the Graveyard
 
McKinney Chapel Committee of Lake Keowee, Inc. (MCC) came into possession of the Chapel and adjacent graveyard in January 2024.  MCC is a non-profit religious organization and is not organized for long term care of graves and the graveyard.  MCC makes no commitment to long term care of the graveyard.  The following rules and guidelines are designed to respect the occupied graves and to manage the graveyard with dignity and honor.

1. No new graves will be created or authorized by MCC, except with limited exceptions.
   a) Only graves that were marked on the ground of the graveyard before January 1, 2026, will be permitted.  The marking must be identified with the recipient in some acknowledged form, such as a marker or spouse and joint headstone.
   b) Any digging or monument placement must be approved in advance by MCC.  The plan for placement must show the location of the grave and the monument in writing.  Documentation is required for approval. 
2. Request for burial in the graveyard must be made to MCC by: (1) email to an MCC contact person cited on the mckinneychapel.com website; or (2) by mail to the mailing address cited on the Chapel website.  The request must be voted on and approved by a majority of MCC members.
3. Approved burials need to be handled through a licensed funeral home director.  The funeral home director will be responsible for proper burial procedures, subject to MCC approval, including digging, removal and disposal of excess dirt, and restoration of the graveyard area. 
4. No grave shall be used for any purpose other than the burial of one corpse.
5. Families, or in pre-need situations the occupant, may erect and maintain proper memorial work on their respective graves subject to the approval of MCC.  All monuments shall be in a form conforming with the existing headstones and markers in the graveyard.
6. MCC will give such care, as it can, to the graveyard.  Such care will consist of cutting the grass and general preservation of the grounds.  The general care by MCC shall in no case mean maintenance, repair or replacement of any vase, basket, memorial, flowers, or other objects placed upon a grave.
7. MCC disclaims all responsibility for loss or damage from causes beyond its reasonable control, especially from damage caused by the elements, an act of God, common enemy, thieves, vandals, or order of any military or civil authority, whether the damage be direct or collateral.
8. It is not permissible to plant anything on a grave or in the graveyard without approval in advance by MCC.  MCC has the right to remove any or all decorations when considered necessary by MCC.  Natural decorations, such as potted plants in an approved stand, cut flowers and evergreen wreaths, are permitted.  Discreet artificial decorations, such as silk flowers, are also permitted.
9. It is not permissible to cut, prune, or remove any trees or plants in the graveyard without prior approval by MCC.
10. MCC recognizes that family members and descendants can have limited access to graves on its private property.  MCC allows visitation during daylight hours.