Historic Corolla Chapel
In 1885, the Corolla community formed an inter-denominational congregation in Corolla Village and built the original one-room chapel. Circuit-riding preachers were sent to the Village by horse and buggy by way of the beach front or by crossing the Currituck Sound by boat.
By 1938 the Great Depression had taken a tremendous toll on the country and caused the circuit-riding preachers to stop coming. The community then used the chapel for Sunday school and worship services whenever a preacher was in the area. Use of the chapel became sporadic, and it eventually fell into disuse around 1953.
By 1962, the property was to be sold as abandoned property and John W. Austin purchased the property in effort to preserve the structure's intended use as a church Mr. Austin and his wife, Virginia, continued to watch over and care for the chapel until it was passed down to their son, Norris. Mr. Austin believed the chapel would once again be used by the community for worship services and his one desire was that when it was restored to use it would be an inter-denominational chapel.
The Corolla Chapel was not used again until the 1980s, when an assortment of groups came to minister a few weeks each summer. In 1987, Pastor John Strauss and his wife, Ruth, came to Corolla and began holding year-round services in 1988 at the urging of local parishioners.
By the late 1990s, the chapel was expanded to accommodate the increase in attendance at the Sunday services. Norris Austin then donated the chapel to the local congregation and property was purchased across the street from the chapel's original location. In 2002, the little chapel was lifted, moved, and abutted to the new structure where it stands today. A fellowship hall was added to the south side of the structure in 2007. In keeping with the wishes of John W. Austin, Corolla Chapel remains an inter-denominational chapel.
Ruth Strauss Memorial Window
A beautiful stained glass window depicting a mother pelican feeding her young was incorporated into the expanded Corolla Chapel. The window was designed and commissioned by Pastor John Strauss to honor his late wife, Ruth Strauss, who played a pivotal role in the development of the chapel in the late 1980s.
The early church used a mother pelican feeding her young as a symbol of Christ. Legend stated that if a mother pelican could not find food for her young, she would cause blood vessels in her pouch to rupture and feed her young from her own blood. The early church saw this story as a wonderful metaphor of Christ and adopted the pelican legend as an early symbol of Christianity.
Corolla Chapel Timeline
1885
The Corolla community formed a congregation and two local carpenters to build the original one-room chapel.
1885-1938
The chapel was included in the Missionary Baptist Conference and supported by circuit-riding preachers.
1938-1958
The circuit-rider preachers ceased coming to the area. The congregation appreciated visits by preachers from neighboring cities and others passing through; however, services eventually ceased.
1962
The chapel was listed to be sold on a tax sale as an abandoned property; John W. Austin as allowed to pay the taxes and granted the deed to the property.
Early 1980s
Groups came to minister at the chapel for a few weeks each summer, but none stayed.
1987
Pastor John Strauss and his wife, Ruth, came to minister at the Corolla Chapel during the summer season and began year-round services the following year.
1992
Due to increased tourism, a vestibule, restroom, and porch were added.
2001
Plans were drawn to increase the size of the chapel. The growing congregation purchased a lot across the street and began construction.
2002
The chapel was moved across the street and affixed to the new construction, forming a crucifix.
2007
Construction of a new fellowship hall on the south side of the structure was completed.
2008
Pastor John Strauus retired.
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