07/11/2026
Rich in history and thoughtfully restored, O’Kelly Chapel stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Reverend James O’Kelly. A pivotal figure in early American Christianity, O’Kelly was known for his abolitionist views and his anti-slavery essay, Essay on Negro Slavery. After departing from the Methodist tradition around 1793, he purchased land where he established his own church and cemetery.
O’Kelly Chapel served its congregation for nearly two centuries before regular worship services ceased in the early 1980s. In 1985, the chapel was recognized for its historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2018, the property was purchased by For Garden’s Sake from the Southern Conference Board of Directors. Following a decommissioning ceremony, the chapel was released for secular use and began a new chapter. After years of careful restoration and renovation, O’Kelly Chapel has been lovingly returned to its former beauty.
Today, O’Kelly Chapel welcomes guests as an intimate venue for weddings, celebrations, and special events. Surrounded by the gardens of For Garden’s Sake, the historic chapel provides a charming and memorable setting for gatherings of up to 60 of your closest family and friends.
