Our History

A Brush Arbor Beginning

The story of McKee’s Chapel reaches back to the 1860s, when families in the hills of Dawson County gathered under a brush arbor — a simple shelter of branches and poles — to worship together at what was known as Holly Springs Campground. In time, the campground grew to include fourteen cabins and a log meeting house, becoming a true center of community life in the area.

The congregation that formed here was shaped by the times they lived through. Dawson County was deeply divided during the Civil War, and many in this community were Union sympathizers — a fact that set them apart in the broader region. Through those difficult years, the campground remained a place where people could come together in faith.

A Gift That Gave Us Our Name

After the war, the campground evolved into Campground Methodist Church, and the congregation built their first permanent structure — a modest 16-by-20-foot wooden building about 800 yards from where the church stands today. It was small, but it was theirs.

In 1883, local families including C.J. and Martha Ann Purdy and Robert and S.A. Bennett donated land for the church and its cemetery. That same year, Joseph McKee donated $100 toward the construction of a new wooden frame building — a significant gift for the time. The church was renamed McKee’s Chapel in his honor — a name that has endured for over 140 years.

Growing With the Community

Around 1910, the wooden building was relocated closer to the road along Highway 183, making it more accessible to the growing community. For nearly four more decades, the congregation continued to worship in that original wooden structure.

In 1948, the church took another step forward with the construction of a brick building just eight feet from the original wooden chapel. This structure — the one visible in historic photographs — served the congregation faithfully for over forty years.

A New Chapter

In 1990, the congregation built its current home — a new building across the highway from the original site. It was a milestone that reflected the community’s continued growth while honoring the legacy of those who came before.

Today, McKee’s Chapel Methodist Church carries forward the tradition of worship, fellowship, and service that began over 160 years ago under a brush arbor in the hills of Dawson County. The faces have changed, but the heart of this church remains the same — a welcoming community grounded in faith and committed to loving one another.

Where We Are Going

Family Life Center

Through a generous donation by Ann Styles, McKee’s Chapel is building a new Family Life Center. This facility is designed to serve not only the people of McKee’s Chapel but the broader Dawsonville and Dawson County community. Planned ministries include:

• A counseling center for people dealing with addictions
• Academy of Fine Arts and Music for children and adults
• A gathering center for community groups such as FFA, 4-H, and scouts
• Contemporary worship service on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM
• A venue for family reunions and private events
• Teen and youth ministries

The Restored McKee’s Chapel

The original McKee’s Chapel is being restored by the McKee’s Chapel Heritage Society. Upon completion, the building will serve primarily as a space for church functions — missions groups, Christian leadership training, and Christian education. It will also be available as a wedding venue and for family gatherings. McKee’s Chapel is proud to announce that this venue will host a country and gospel worship service every Sunday at 9:00 AM.