The Smallest Church in America has been Welcoming Motorists Since 1949

Christ’s Chapel may not be the smallest church in America (I’ve seen smaller), but it may be the only one deeded to Jesus Christ. Take a look inside this tiny chapel that was destroyed by arson and rebuilt thanks to donations that poured in from around the world. ” 

In this day and age of megachurches, I happen to have a thing for small churches. I’ve stopped to see the miniature houses of worship in several states which have included the smallest church in Iowa and a tiny church in Montana which was located near Yellowstone National Park.

When I discovered my husband and I would be road tripping in the proximity of the “Smallest Church in America,” 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 were fighting during our van camping trip. 

In the end, we put our bickering aside and stopped to check it out.  

The tiny church is officially known as Christ’s Chapel. 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. 

The tiny church appeared to be a popular spot. Even though the evening was quickly approaching, 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 the 28th of November, 2015 when a fire started by arson 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 the 3rd Sunday of every month and special events like weddings take place in this small, but charming church that seats up to 12. Inside you’ll find a beautiful wood beam ceiling, stained glass windows and a large binder where travelers who have passed by before have left praises and prayer requests. 

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

Helpful Information when Visiting the Smallest Church in America 

© 2019, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.