WHO ARE WE? (continued)
As the area grew in popularity for tourists, regular services were held during the summer in the first chapel, led by a different visiting minister each week. It became a Presbyterian Church in 1952. It has grown to a membership of about 400 and is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination.
Although Little Chapel has faced many challenges over its 115-year history, the latest COVID-19 lockdown of 2020-2021 proved no match for this vibrant “little chapel.”
During this stressful time, we embraced creative ways to continue our worship services. While Sunday worship did continue indoors, the congregation was absent due to the restrictions in force at the time regarding mass gatherings. However, the Sunday services were captured on video and posted on-line for viewing the same day.
Although Little Chapel has faced many challenges over its 115-year history, the latest COVID-19 lockdown of 2020-2021 proved no match for this vibrant “little chapel.”
During this stressful time, we embraced creative ways to continue our worship services. While Sunday worship did continue indoors, the congregation was absent due to the restrictions in force at the time regarding mass gatherings. However, the Sunday services were captured on video and posted on-line for viewing the same day.
The pastor and leadership of the church soon chose to hold worship services in the large church parking lot, complete with inspirational music and choral leadership. The outdoor services were also videoed each Sunday for viewing later in the day on Little Chapel’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Eventually the outdoor/parking lot service was also broadcast over a local FM station on Wrightsville Beach.
The congregation thrived during the spring and summer of 2020, greeting each other in-person, although at a distance, seated in their beach chairs. When the weather turned cold and rainy during the late fall and winter, members retreated to their cars in the parking lot to listen on the radio.
But by spring and Easter, the participants swelled to over 100 in the parking lot. It was clear we were not to be deterred from gathering and hearing our pastor’s inspired messages and our music director’s stirring contributions. Those who were unable to attend faithfully watched the recorded services on-line.
When we moved inside the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday, April 2, we celebrated our joyful return to The Little Chapel; and for the first time, Little Chapel began livestreaming Sunday worship services.
We simultaneously began our 11th annual weekly 8:00 AM summer worship service held out on Wrightsville Beach, regularly attended by summer visitors and members. Through our worship and our active mission role in the community, the Little Chapel continues to weather challenges and encourage faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
The congregation thrived during the spring and summer of 2020, greeting each other in-person, although at a distance, seated in their beach chairs. When the weather turned cold and rainy during the late fall and winter, members retreated to their cars in the parking lot to listen on the radio.
But by spring and Easter, the participants swelled to over 100 in the parking lot. It was clear we were not to be deterred from gathering and hearing our pastor’s inspired messages and our music director’s stirring contributions. Those who were unable to attend faithfully watched the recorded services on-line.
When we moved inside the Sanctuary on Palm Sunday, April 2, we celebrated our joyful return to The Little Chapel; and for the first time, Little Chapel began livestreaming Sunday worship services.
We simultaneously began our 11th annual weekly 8:00 AM summer worship service held out on Wrightsville Beach, regularly attended by summer visitors and members. Through our worship and our active mission role in the community, the Little Chapel continues to weather challenges and encourage faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
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Little Chapel and the Manse today - 2021
Lumina Avenue side of Little Chapel
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Another view from Lumina Avenue
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The Manse
