Brevard’s Chapel History

The oldest surviving Black church in Lincoln County stands as an irreplaceable cornerstone and testament to centuries of history, unwavering faith, and indomitable community resilience.

The beloved historic chapel was built by the skilled hands of formerly enslaved Christians and is a wonderfully intricate example of Carpenter Gothic architecture. Revered throughout the area, the chapel is an irreplaceable artifact of African American heritage and the community to which it belongs. Furthermore, its presence on Campground Road in the town of Denver, NC makes it a beloved and iconic landmark situated next to Rock Springs Campground.

In February 2025, the United Methodist Church (UMC) announced new plans for the site, which unfortunately included the demolition of the chapel. However, in March of 2025, these plans were put on hold by the UMC to allow the preservation team to proceed with developing a restoration and sustainability plan. Through joining together, the United Methodist Church Catawba Valley District, HEARTS Collaborative, Lincoln Landmarks, Lincoln County Historical Association,  Preservation North Carolina, Preserve Mecklenburg, and many others are coming together to save this important piece of history.

The journey to restore this precious chapel began with a collaborative spirit, culminating in the United Methodist Church's recent approval of HEARTS Collaborative's dedicated oversight and facilitation. This partnership and the community’s continued support are crucial for the restoration and rehabilitation of the chapel's unique architecture and Carpenter Gothic details, and implementing future sustainable plans to utilize the chapel for the community.