Just south of the North Carolina border in Cleveland, South Carolina, YMCA Camp Greenville is a summer home for 2,500 campers and the iconic Pretty Place Chapel. Officially named Fred W. Symmes Chapel, it earned its nickname for breathtaking views over the valley.
At 3,200 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the camp was not spared by Hurricane Helene, suffering severe damage to its 1,400 acres of hiking trails, lakes, and cabins, along with the chapel, which lost two-thirds of its roof. Despite the destruction, the cross remained intact.
Sam Franklin, President and CEO of YMCA of Greenville, noted the strong emotional support this symbol provides to staff and campers alike. “The impact is catastrophic,” he said, referring to the damage and debris scattered as far as 500 yards from the camp.
Pretty Place Chapel, which hosts 550 weddings annually and attracts over 325,000 visitors, holds deep significance for many. As cleanup begins, Franklin expressed optimism: “With the sun shining and the spirit of the staff, we’re excited to rebuild and make it even better.”
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