SC mountain chapel damaged by Helene to reopen soon. Here’s when and what work was needed

Benches were destroyed and much of the roof ripped off but when Helene was finished with the tiny chapel on Stone Mountain in northern South Carolina, one thing remained.

The cross.

Now, Fred W. Symmes Chapel, also known as Pretty Place, has been restored and a reopening date set for Jan. 3.

At an elevation of 3,200 feet, the open-air chapel overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains was built in 1941 by Fred W. Symmes. He was associated with a number of textile companies and owned Nuckasee Manufacturing Co., which made fabric for theater seats and curtains.

He died in 1957 and a foundation that bears his name still makes contributions to religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational organizations, and to to prevent child and animal cruelty.

In September when the aftermath of Hurricane Helene blew through Upstate South Carolina, the YMCA staff reported homes on the property had been damaged, trees flattened, roads blocked and internet or cell service was out.

All weddings planned for October through January were canceled — 149 in all. Staff helped some couples who didn’t want to wait until next year find other venues.

It cost $282,000 to repair storm damage and replace all the benches, improve water drainage and rebuild the main steps, said Sam Franklin, president and CEO of the YMCA.

Damage for all of YMCA Camp Greenville was just over $1 million.

Over the weeks, staff and volunteers cleaned up debris and Hogan Construction Group has been repairing the chapel timbers and roof.

Pretty Place is part of Camp Greenville, a 1,400-acre expanse opened in 1912 that includes a Summer Camp, Environmental Education Center, Group and Conference Center, and wedding venue owned by the YMCA of Greenville.

More than 300,000 people visit Pretty Place annually.

YMCA Camp Greenville is accepting donations for repairs.