The Smallest Church in America

Christ’s Chapel–The Smallest Church in America

A couple years ago, my husband and I were traveling around coastal Georgia touring Revolutionary and Civil War forts. It was a fascinating trip and we saw and learned so much in that beautiful area of our country. It was on a lovely, sunny, spring afternoon that we drove down US Highway 17 near the South Newport River and the city of Darien, when a sign caught our eyes: “The Smallest Church in America.” Well, who could resist? We pulled over and got out of the car.

We could see the tiny church set in the midst of a roughly landscaped garden. It almost looked like a child’s playhouse with a little bell tower on the left side. The church’s name is Christ’s Chapel and it is set in Memory Park.

The History of Christ’s Chapel

The church was constructed in 1949, and represented a dream come true for Mrs. Anges Harper, a local grocer. She wanted the chapel to serve as a place of meditation and rest for weary travelers. The garden alone is a lovely, peaceful, place with a statue of Jesus keeping watch. Amazingly, the land is deeded to Jesus Christ.

Although small, the structure is not lacking in character and beauty with stained glass windows imported from England. Visitors may enter the 10’x15’ church that has seating for 12, a pulpit, and a book to sign. A rustic, wooden, shepherd’s crook on which is carved John 3:17 (“For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved”) props almost carelessly in the corner.

It seems that local ministers still lead non-denominational worship there every third Sunday and the church is very popular for weddings. It remains one of the most unique structures along the Georgia Coast Scenic Byway.

An Attack on the Smallest Church in America

The smallest church in America appears the epitome of tranquility, but that was not always so. It seems that on November 28, 2015, the church was gutted by a fire. An arsonist attacked and attempted to destroy this small, benign oasis of hope and peace. Why? What harm in the world could this little church ever cause? 

It would probably have been easy, maybe even logical, to just abandon the place, but within a few days after the fire, donations of cash and construction materials began to pour in.  Christ’s Chapel was rebuilt and reopened on April 8, 2017.

This is such a sweet place and an uplifting story, but it is also quite a metaphor.

Are You Like the Smallest Church?

Do you ever feel like you are under attack? Do you ever feel like even though you are only one limited person, the spiritual fires from the enemy are trying to gut you? Do  you feel like you are being destroyed when you really haven’t done a thing wrong? Can you identify with the smallest church (or temple of the Holy Spirit) in America?

John 10:10 tells us first that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” He doesn’t only come to the big, obvious, imposing places (or people). After all, if the enemy can conquer the army soldier by soldier, he doesn’t have to fight against the General (which failed utterly the last time he attempted it). The enemy attacks one man’s testimony, one woman’s peace, one family’s security, one pastor’s integrity. One by one the arsonist starts fires and attempts to gut the people of God.

The Assurance of the Word of God 

However, there is a second part to John 10:10. It assures us that “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” In fact, we have many assurances throughout the scriptures that we can depend upon when our life/temple is under attack. Here are a few:

Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.”

2 Corinthians 10: 4 – “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”

Romans 8:31 – “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”

Provision for the Smallest Church in America–Even If It’s You

Every one of us is a temple to someone or something. If it’s not a god, it’s money, or possessions, or even self. If you make it known that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, your enemy will set fires. It’s a guarantee. It’s also a guarantee that Jesus will provide all you need to be spared, repaired and rebuilt, “according to His riches in glory.” 

You see, just like the smallest church in America, when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you deeded yourself over to Him. You belong to Him, and He will take care of you! Guaranteed!

God bless you, and may He keep you always in His love and care.