Old McKendree Day at Old McKendree Chapel

The Old McKendree Day celebration is right around the corner. It's a great time to spend an afternoon with family and friends. So come on out on Sunday, September 28 at 3:00 PM and listen to good music & a good message! East Prairie UMC will be providing the music and the message will be given by Rev. David Conley, pastor of Centenary UMC.

Situated on two pastoral acres in a grove of oak and maple trees, Old McKendree Chapel is regarded as the oldest Protestant church structure standing west of the Mississippi River.

With the thicket of trees providing a good shade and the spring at the base of the rise dispensing refreshing cold water to travelers, this peaceful setting was an ideal location for camp meetings. Mckendree Church was organized in July of 1809 following one of those meetings.

In 1819 skilled workmen built the chapel from huge poplar logs. The first services were held during 1819, and regular church services were held until around 1890. Since then, the chapel has been used for special services such as weddings, baptisms, reunions, and an annual Easter Sunrise Service.

The Chapel has been renovated to its present condition with funds from the District Board of Church Extension. The Chapel is listed in the National Archives of the Methodist Church and the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.

The chapel is located on Bainbridge Road in Jackson, MO. Look for the signs.