Chapel of the Cross (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chapel of the Cross
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 304 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
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| 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 |
Chapel of the Cross is a historic church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is part of the Episcopal Church of the United States. The church is a spiritual home for over 1,600 members. Many students from the nearby University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also attend services here.
Contents
History of the Chapel
The First Chapel
The story of the chapel begins in 1752. Back then, the Church of England built a small church in the area. It was a simple log building called New Hope Chapel. This chapel was built so people living far away didn't have to travel to the main church in Hillsborough.
The original chapel disappeared during the American Revolution. However, the town that grew around it, Chapel Hill, kept its name. For about 50 years, there was no permanent Episcopal church in the area.
A New Beginning
In 1842, a professor from the University of North Carolina named William Mercer Green helped start a new church group. At first, there were only 15 members. They met in each other's homes for five years while they built their own church.
The new church building was finished in 1848. It was named "The Chapel of the Holy Cross." The building was designed by the architect Thomas U. Walter in a style called Gothic Revival. This style includes pointed arches and tall lancet windows, making it look like a small castle.
Sadly, during this time in history, society was segregated. The church had a separate wooden gallery, or balcony, for enslaved people to sit in. This original church building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Growing and Changing
By the 1920s, the church had too many members for the small chapel. A new, larger church building was built next to the old one. The new building was connected to the original chapel by a covered walkway. It was completed in 1925.
The church has been part of important changes in society. During World War II, the church leader, Rev. David Yates, taught that it was important to be kind even to enemies. He also made sure that Black people were welcome in the church long before many other places in the South became integrated.
A Historic Moment
A very important event happened at the chapel on February 13, 1977. On that day, Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray led a church service there. She was the first African American woman to become a priest in the Episcopal Church.
This was especially meaningful because Pauli Murray's grandmother, Cornelia, had been baptized in the same chapel in 1854 while she was an enslaved child.
The Chapel Today
The Chapel of the Cross is a busy place with many activities for its members and the community.
What the Chapel Believes
The church's mission is to welcome everyone. It aims to:
- Serve the university and the local community.
- Use beautiful music and traditional services for worship.
- Help people learn and grow in their faith through teaching and service.
- Share a positive message with the world.
Church Life and Activities
The Chapel of the Cross holds several services every Sunday. It has a well-known music program with choirs for different ages. For students at the University of North Carolina, there is a special group called the Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM). There is also a youth group for students in sixth through twelfth grade.
The church also focuses on education. There are classes and discussion groups for adults and young people on many different topics.
Helping the Community
The church is very involved in helping others. It works on projects related to the Millennium Development Goals, which are goals set by the United Nations to help people around the world. The church has focused on helping people in South Africa and Honduras.
Every year, the church holds a large sale called the "Attic, Basement and Closet Sale" (or ABC Sale). This sale raises thousands of dollars for charities. The church also lets many community groups use its buildings, including Alcoholics Anonymous and groups that teach English as a second language.
People Connected to the Chapel
Several well-known people have been connected to the Chapel of the Cross over the years.
- The Rev. Pauli Murray – The first Black woman to become an Episcopal priest. She led her first service at the chapel.
- The Rt. Rev. John Spong – A former Bishop who was a student at the church.
- State Senator Eleanor Kinnaird – A member of the church.
- James Moeser – A former leader of UNC-Chapel Hill and a member of the church.
