The Smallest Church in America is a Haven for Weary Road Trippers

Christ’s Chapel, near Savannah, Georgia, may not be the smallest church in America (I’ve seen smaller), but it is the only one deeded to Jesus Christ.

This tiny chapel was destroyed by arson and rebuilt thanks to generous donations that poured in from people who live around the world. 

I have a thing for small churches even though the trend in this day and age seems to be moving towards megachurches. How could I resist stopping to take a look around?

The United States is dotted with teeny churches. My husband and I have stopped to see miniature houses of worship in several states. This includes the smallest church in Iowa, a tiny church in Montana that is located near Yellowstone National Park, and yet another one somewhere in West Virginia. We didn’t even plan to see that one. We just drove past it when our GPS got us lost.

When I discovered we were road tripping in the proximity of what is known as the “Smallest Church in America,” I knew a quick stop to check it out was a no-brainer.

For me, anyway.

It took a bit more to convince my husband.

Especially since this took place on one of the days that we had gotten into a fight during our van camping trip. Hey, what better time to go to church?

We put our bickering aside and stopped to take a look around.

Visiting the Littlest Church in America

The tiny church is officially known as Christ’s Chapel in Memory Park. It is located about 40 minutes south of Savannah on US Hwy 17, less than a five-minute drive off I-95, which makes it a quick and easy on/off for those traveling along the interstate.

This tiny place of worship is open 24 hours a day and is a haven for weary travelers.

It appeared to be a popular tourist attraction.

Several vehicles pulled in during the short time we were there, each with passengers eager to check out the inside of the church.

It could have something to do with the geocache that is on the grounds but I prefer to think that maybe people indeed stopped to stretch their legs and spend a quiet moment or two inside the chapel.

A sign on the outside of the chapel alerts visitors to the presence of a surveillance camera. If you’re put off by the warning, don’t be. There’s a good reason it’s there.

A local grocer, Mrs. Agnes Harper, built the church in 1949 and deeded it to Christ.  Intended as a place for weary travelers to stop, reflect and say a prayer, the church welcomed thousands of visitors inside its sanctuary until November 28, 2015 when an arson fire destroyed the original building.

Donations poured in from around the world to rebuild the beloved landmark. Thanks to the generous contributions and willing volunteers, the 190-square-foot church was reconstructed and opened to the public once again in April 2017.

Today, church services are offered on the 3rd Sunday of every month and special events like weddings take place in this small, but charming church that seats up to 13.

Inside this 10′ x 15′ space, you’ll find a beautiful wood beam ceiling, stained glass windows, a pulpit for a single pastor, and a large binder where travelers who have passed by before have left praises and prayer requests.

You’ll find more faith-based attractions in our post, 21 Faith-Based Attractions in the United States.

Do you like roadside attractions? Check out this submarine located an hour south of the church in Kings Bay.

Where is the Smallest Church in America?

This church can be found near Townsend, Georgia and sits on the Georgia Coast Scenic Byway. Here is some information you may find helpful for your visit.

Address: US Hwy. 17 South I-95 Exit 67 Darien GA 31305

Directions: Traveling from Savannah, Take exit 67 From I-95. Turn left onto Highway 17 and follow approximately two miles. You’ll see the sign for the church on the left-hand side of the road. The drive is directly past the sign. This roadside stop offers ample parking in the circular parking lot and easily accommodated our Dodge Promaster cargo van plus the vehicles of two other visitors who were there the same time we were.

Hours: Open 7 days a week/ 24 hours a day

Check out the website here.

Map to the Smallest Church

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