REYNOLDS: What fate awaits the Chapel of All Faiths?

Published 11:00 am Saturday, March 2, 2024

I attended the Feb. 20 meeting of the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority and was pleased to hear that the Authority has appointed an advisory committee to consider the future of the Chapel of All Faiths. This comes as a relief given the authority’s prior discussions about the potential sale of the chapel to the higher bidder. In writing this letter today, it is my hope to remind the new committee members, and the readers at large, of the Chapel’s history and its significance not only to CSH, but to the community.

The Chapel of All Faiths was dedicated in February of 1963, just over half a century ago. Prior to its construction, there was no formal place of worship on the campus and CSH patients and staff were forced to use common areas or the gymnasium for services. The First Lady of Georgia, Mrs. Elizabeth Vandiver, took up the cause to raise the funds necessary for the Chapel’s construction. Thousands of citizens from all over the state helped reach the fundraising goal of $800,000 (roughly $8 million adjusted for inflation). The Chapel was used continuously by both CSH and the community at large until 2013, when its regular use was deemed no longer necessary to the institution. Thereafter, the Chapel sat – vacant, unused and uncared for – for five years. 

In 2018, Mike Couch, who was at that time the executive director for CSHLRA, hired me on to help re-open the Chapel with the intent of recommitting the space for community use.  With the help and support of a team of volunteers that included individual citizens, Georgia College students, GMC Cadets, and members from the Milledgeville Players, the Chapel was scrubbed, painted, updated, and improved so that the Chapel could once again welcome the people of Milledgeville and Baldwin County. A great deal of sweat equity went into this space and it was done for the benefit and enjoyment of all. 

For 60 years, the Chapel of All Faiths has been a beautiful and affordable gathering place for the people of this community. It’s one of the few places the public is still welcome to visit on the former CSH campus and the only building open to the Historic Trolley Tours – the most popular tour offered by the Visitor’s Center. It’s also where people come to celebrate every stage of life – baby showers, birthdays, weddings, reunions, and funerals. As one of the most affordable venues in town, it has long served a community need. It’s also where people come to enjoy local theater productions from the Milledgeville Players and take in the sights of what remains around the old pecan orchard. There’s no other remaining space on the South Side that has opened its doors to so many guests, both in celebration and in mourning. 

As Chairman Grant explained at Wednesday night’s meeting, the final decision as to the future of the Chapel rest with the CSHLRA board, but inasmuch as the creation of an advisory committee that includes members of the public signals a renewed interest in preserving this space for public, community use is a step in the right direction. It is my sincere hope that any changes to be made regarding venue pricing or rental policies are carefully weighed with the interests of the community in mind. As reported in the January meeting, the Redevelopment Authority’s budget is sound and they are taking in more funds than they expend each month. Nevertheless, while some investment could be made from their coffers, it is important that the community continues to play a role in supporting the care and maintenance of this treasured space. I’ve offered to assist the advisory committee in any way that I can. I would ask  others in the community who have time, talent or resources that might aid the committee in developing a viable plan to preserve the Chapel for community use to reach out to board members and be heard. And as we move forward, perhaps the simplest act of support is choosing by making use of the Chapel for your own gatherings and special occasions. Let’s work together to preserve this significant place in the history of our town. 

Walter A. Reynolds

Milledgeville