Chapel of the Cross (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Chapel of the Cross
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Built | 1843-1848 |
| Architect | Walter, Thomas U.; Hobart B. Upjohn |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000980 |
| Added to NRHP | February 1, 1972 |
The Chapel of the Cross is a church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It belongs to the Episcopal Church of the United States. This church is a spiritual home for over 1,600 members. Many students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also attend services here.
Contents
The Story of Chapel of the Cross
How the Church Began
The Church of England started a small church in Chapel Hill in 1752. It was called a "chapel of ease." This meant it was a convenient place for people who lived far from the main church in Hillsborough. This first building was made of logs. It was located where the Carolina Inn is today. However, it disappeared during the American Revolution.
Even after the first church was gone, the area remained. The University of North Carolina was founded in 1795. Traveling priests would visit, but a lasting Episcopal church group didn't form for about 50 years.
Building the First Church
In May 1842, a professor named William Mercer Green helped start a new Episcopal group. They called themselves the Church of the Atonement. They had fifteen members but no church building.
The group met in each other's homes for five years. Building their church took a long time. They used bricks made by hand on Professor Green's land. On October 19, 1848, the new church was officially opened. It was named "The Chapel of the Holy Cross." It had a special wooden area for enslaved people. The church had 22 members, and five of them were university students.
The church was designed by architect Thomas U. Walter. It was built in the Gothic Revival style. This means it looked like older European churches. It has red bricks, a pointed roof, and tall, narrow windows. This original church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Expanding the Church Building
By 1921, the church had grown too big for its first building. The church leaders asked a famous church architect, Hobart B. Upjohn, to design a new building. This new part would connect to the old chapel with a covered walkway.
A lot of the money for the new building came from William A. Erwin. He was a mill owner and gave the gift to honor his grandfather. The new building was officially opened on May 14, 1925.
Important Moments in History
The Chapel of the Cross has been part of many important changes. During World War II, the Rev. David Yates (who led the church from 1945–1959) taught that Christians should pray for everyone. He also made sure that Black people were welcome in the church. This was long before many other places in the South allowed it.
Later, on February 13, 1977, the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray made history. She was the first Black woman to become an Episcopal priest. She led her first special church service (called a Eucharist) at the Chapel of the Cross. She was also the first woman to lead this service there. It was especially meaningful because her grandmother, who was enslaved, had been baptized in that same chapel in 1854.
The Rev. Peter James Lee (who led the church from 1971–1984) brought in new ways of worship. He also welcomed women priests to lead services. In 1980, the church buildings were repaired and updated.
The Rev. Stephen J. Elkins-Williams became the church leader in 1985. During his time, the church focused on helping the community even more. They partnered with another church, helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity, and continued their strong work with university students. They also grew their programs for Christian education and youth.
In 2007, the church celebrated the 30th anniversary of Rev. Pauli Murray's first service. The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the main leader of the Episcopal Church, led this special service.
A new building for church activities, called a parish house, opened in October 2014. It has a large hall, classrooms, and spaces for youth and music.
The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna became the new Rector (main leader) on August 1, 2016.
The Chapel of the Cross has continued to grow. It even helped start other Episcopal churches in Chapel Hill.
Chapel of the Cross Today
What is the Church's Goal?
The Chapel of the Cross welcomes everyone. Its main goals are:
- To serve the university and local community.
- To worship God using traditional Anglican music and services.
- To help people grow in their faith through teaching and helping others.
- To share the message of the Gospel with the world.
Services and Programs
The Chapel of the Cross holds several services every Sunday. During the school year, there are four services. In the summer, there are three. They also hold services at places where older people live in Chapel Hill.
The church is known for its strong music program. Choirs are led by the Director of Music and Organist, Dr. Joseph Causby.
The church has a special program for students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It's called the Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM). There's also a strong program for middle and high school students called the Episcopal Youth Community.
Since it's a university church, there's a big focus on learning for both adults and young people. They have Sunday School every week. They also have discussion groups on many different topics.
Community Involvement
Boy Scout Troop 9 has met at the Chapel of the Cross since 1937. This troop is very old, starting in 1910! In 2010, Troop 9 celebrated its 100th birthday, just like the Boy Scouts of America.
The Chapel of the Cross helps people in many ways, both locally and around the world. They focus on goals like those set by the United Nations to improve lives. They have helped in South Africa and Honduras.
A big event each year is the "Attic, Basement and Closet Sale" (ABC Sale). This sale raises thousands of dollars for different charities. The church also lets many groups use its buildings. For example, they host English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. They also have a special service each month for people with developmental disabilities.
Church Leadership
Currently, there are several full-time clergy (church leaders) at Chapel of the Cross:
- The Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna – Rector (main leader)
- The Rev. Mary Catherine “Mary Cat” Young – Assistant for University Ministry
- The Rev. Keith Esposito – Curate (a new priest learning the ropes)
- The Rev. Mawethu Ncaca – Assistant to the Rector
The Rev. Scott Balderson serves as a deacon, which is another type of church leader.
The church is mainly run by a group of twelve church members called the vestry. They are elected by the congregation for three-year terms.
The Chapel of the Cross is also active in the larger Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, the national Episcopal Church, and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Notable People Connected to Chapel of the Cross
- The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan (a bishop) – He used to work with the university students here.
- The Rt. Rev. John Spong (a bishop) – He was a student living at the church.
- The Rev. Pauli Murray – She led her first special church service here.
- State Senator Eleanor Kinnaird – She is a member of the church.
- Chancellor Emeritus of UNC-Chapel Hill James Moeser – He is a member of the church.
