Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as "Pretty Place", is an open-air chapel located in Cleveland, South Carolina. Built in 1941 by Fred Symmes, it is situated on Stone Mountain at an elevation of 3,200 feet[1] overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.[2][3] It is visited by an estimated 312,000 people annually.[4]

Fred W. Symmes Chapel
Fred W. Symmes Chapel in July, 2023
CountryUnited States
Websitehttps://www.campgreenville.org/pretty-place
History
Founded1941
Founder(s)Fred Symmes

History edit

In 1921, the land on which the chapel would be constructed was sold to YMCA Camp Greenville by the Cleveland family. Camp Greenville would then close due to World War 1, and would then reopen in 1925. The chapel would then after be constructed in 1941 with donations from the Fred Symmes Foundation.[5][6]

References edit

  1. ^ Hernandez, Kristina (January 25, 2024). "This is Greenville's Most Beautiful Mountaintop Chapel". Kidding Around Greenville. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  2. ^ "Symmes Chapel at Pretty Place". discoversouthcarolina.com. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  3. ^ Bleiberg, Larry. "From the Empty Quarter in Oman to Easter Island: 10 remote places to find peace and quiet". USA TODAY. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Reports, From Staff (January 16, 2023). ""Pretty Place" Chapel closing for renovations". The Transylvania Times. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  5. ^ "Pretty Place: Finding peace in a pandemic". wltx.com. May 19, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  6. ^ "Fred W. Symmes Chapel". Clio. Retrieved May 8, 2024.

35°08′02″N 82°34′31″W / 35.13383°N 82.5754°W / 35.13383; -82.5754