A Labor of Love
In 2018, the United Church of Christ proposed to Scott and Marsha Pearce the sale of O’Kelly Chapel for integration into their established and successful business. At that time, the Pearces were proprietors of For Garden’s Sake, a lawn, landscape, and garden center business situated to the south of O’Kelly Chapel.
With the opportunity, a vision for incorporating the church into their existing business was born. There were talks of moving the church onto For Garden’s Sake but after several meetings with landscape architects, septic engineers and county officials, it was determined the church would reside in its original place as a continued beacon of hope to the community.
Inspired by this prospect, a vision emerged to integrate the church into their existing business. Discussions were held regarding relocating the church to For Garden’s Sake premises; however, following consultations with landscape architects, septic engineers, and county officials, the decision was made for the church to remain in its original location, continuing its role as a symbol of hope for the community.
The renovation began with the challenging task of removing the dilapidated brick chimney. Its disrepair was causing leaks to the interior wall and exterior rot. After the chimney was dismantled, the damaged wood on both the interior and exterior was replaced.
Originally, the chapel’s corners rested on boulders, serving as true cornerstones. These were extracted after the church was elevated eight inches. Benjamin Hale Builders constructed new pillars along both sides and down the center of the building, after removing the middle floorboards. These pillars were then brick-wrapped to complement the church’s entrance staircase. The original railings were taken down, repaired, and reinstalled on the new entryway.
In 2021, on Thanksgiving night, the building was illuminated for the first time after newly installed electricity, air conditioning, and heating was complete. This brought a welcome light to a previously dark intersection, much to the community’s delight.
O’Kelly Chapel’s extensive renovation inside as well as outside was completed in the fall of 2024. It is now ready to host a diverse array of events. This successful revitalization, which included meticulous efforts to secure county and state permits for modern restroom facilities, aligns perfectly with For Garden’s Sake’s long-term objectives. The chapel is now a fully operational cornerstone for community engagement and private gatherings, all of which complement the company’s core mission and vision for the future.
O'Kelly Chapel Progress Images
