Welcome

The Lake Berkeley Chapel is a non-profit Christian Chapel located in the heart of the City of Berkeley Lake and welcomes all who wish to worship at our monthly inter-denominational services. Situated on the banks of beautiful Berkeley Lake, we also support numerous community activities and events, offer outreach to citizens in need, host bible study groups, participate in food drives and offer annual scholarships to local high school students. Additionally, the Chapel is a lovely venue for weddings, birthday celebrations, and memorial services for groups up to 100 people.

The Lake Berkeley Chapel is a non-profit Christian Chapel located in the heart of the City of Berkeley Lake and welcomes all who wish to worship at our monthly inter-denominational services. Situated on the banks of beautiful Berkeley Lake, we support numerous community activities and events, offer outreach to citizens in need, host bible study groups, and participate in food drives. Additionally, the Chapel is a lovely venue for weddings, birthday celebrations, and memorial services for groups of up to 100 people.

Lake Berkeley Chapel Mission Statement

“The mission of our Chapel and its board of directors is to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in serving our community and its people.”

Historical Timeline

1950

Berkeley Lake subdivision was developed.

1953

Berkeley Lake Civic Association was organized.

1954-55

Mrs. and Mrs. Calvin Parsons and Mr. and Mrs. John Bagwell purchased the Berkeley Lake Realty and Investment Company and the Civic Association acted to obtain a city Charter.

1956

City charter was obtained; residents decided they needed a Church.

1959

A charter was granted for the Lake Berkeley Chapel, Inc. and the first meeting was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Bagwell. Officers were elected and a campaign was started to raise funds for a building.

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The first service was held with 29 people in attendance at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bagwell – this continued for nine years.

1960

The first Easter sunrise service was held at the home of the Bynum Greens.

1968

Officers and directors appointed a new Building Planning Committee to construct a building suitable for worship services.

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Plans were approved, and construction began immediately with most work done by the residents.

1969

The Lake Berkeley Chapel was dedicated and held its first Service March 2^nd.

1975

The Chapel land was acquired from the City of Berkeley Lake title free.

1989

20th Anniversary Celebration, March 2. (from the first service in 1959)

1999

30^th Anniversary Celebration.

2003

Chapel Renovation Celebration Service and Steeple Dedication, May 4th.

2006

Kitchen was renovated thanks to a generous donation by Mildred Wilkerson and appropriately named “Mildred’s Kitchen”.

2009

50^th Anniversary Celebration, October 11th.

2018

Chapel Celebration Garden created along the lakeshore of Chapel property to celebrate Berkeley Lake Community residents.

2019

60^th Anniversary Celebration, October 13th.

2020

Chapel interior renovation, completed in October.

2023

Chapel exterior renovation, completed in January.

Heritage

When Berkeley Lake subdivision was developed in 1950, it was anticipated that it would be a place where property owners would have lake privileges and some would build a summer cottage. In 1956, the Lake Berkeley Civic Association obtained a city charter. All utilities were obtained, streets were paved, streetlights and fire hydrants were installed. This resulted in a change from the original outlook of “summer cottages” to year-round permanent residences for the city. As more full-time residents moved to Berkeley Lake, it was determined that a dedicated church building was needed. Since no one denomination predominated, it was decided to organize an inter-denominational chapel for Christian fellowship.

On April 1, 1959, a charter was granted for Lake Berkeley Chapel, Inc. The first service was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Bagwell in November with 29 people in attendance.

In 1968 Chapel construction began with a budget of $5,500. The residents of the City provided the additional funds needed and did much of the work on the Chapel under the supervision of Herb Davis. The total cost was $14,887.55.

In 2003, a 24’ steeple was donated by Jane and Charles Hardwick.

Today, the Chapel is more than a place of community worship; together with Berkeley Lake City Hall and Berkeley Lake Homeowners Association, it is the town center of our city’s activities.