Old McKendree Chapel

In June, the City of Jackson Board of Aldermen designated Jackson's first local historic landmark. McKendree Chapel Memorial Foundation applied to have Old McKendree Chapel and Cemetery designated as the first landmark under the city's Historic Preservation Ordinance. The application was reviewed and recommended by the Historic Preservation Commission, a five-member citizen board established in 2017.

Constructed in 1819 of hand-hewn poplar logs on a frontier site where camp meetings trace back to 1806, Old McKendree Chapel is a National Methodist Shrine and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. The National Register nomination documents the chapel as the oldest surviving protestant church in Missouri, predating the statehood of Missouri. Historic preservation of this church first began with a restoration in 1933, and it is recognized as an early example of historic preservation in Missouri. The chapel has continued to be maintained in its original form, with the 1958 addition of a canopy covering and protecting the entire structure. Worship services are still held there annually. McKendree Chapel Memorial Foundation is trustee for the property, which has been expanded in size to include additional acreage beyond the original chapel and cemetery grounds. More information on the history of this site can be found at www.oldmckendree.org.

This designation comes at an important time for Old McKendree Chapel. Next year will be the bicentennial anniversary for the chapel. There will be a year of events at the chapel starting this fall and concluding with the bicentennial celebration on the grounds next Sept. 22, 2019. Planning for the bicentennial event is underway and will be included on the Old McKeedree Chapel's web site as plans are finalized.

Events that have already been planned are:

• Sept. 23, 2018 will be the annual meeting at the chapel grounds. The speaker at the service will be United Methodist Church district superintendent Bruce Baxter. Entertainment will be included.
• A plein air painting event will be held Sept. 29 at the chapel. The event begins at 9 a.m. Snack and beverages will be provided for the guest artists. The participants' paintings will be displayed at the History Center in Jackson from October 1 with a reception on October 7.
• Old McKendree Chapel will be featured as part of the country church tour held Dec. 13 and 14. This will be a great time to see Old McKendree Chapel and many other area churches decorated for Christmas.
• An Old McKendree Cemetery Walk is scheduled for June 9, 2019.

In addition to the organized events, the McKendree Chapel, the Williams Cabin and the spring are available for weddings, meetings, group tours and photography sessions during the year. Please contact the caretakers at (573) 204-3633 to confirm a date and time. A fee may apply depending on the use requested.

The chapel and grounds are open from dawn until dust year round. The chapel is located at 4080 Bainbridge Road.

This chapel, cemetery and the grounds are a beautiful historical place in our city. I encourage you to visit and participate in the celebration of the bicentennial.

Dwain Hahs serves as mayor of the City of Jackson. He can be reached at mayorhahs@jacksonmo.org.