If you’ve ever been to Pawleys Island, then you’ve see the quaint little chapel sitting on the marsh; a building that is centric in photographs and paintings from locals and visitors to Pawleys Island. But what exactly is the story behind this beloved landmark?

The Pawleys Island Chapel was originally the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Georgetown, but was dismantled and rebuilt by the Georgetown Laymen’s Association in 1946 on land that was donated by Dr. and Mrs. J.H. Porter. Formally known as the Pawleys Island House of Worship, it is known by locals and visitors to the island as the Chapel.

Believe it or not, the Pawleys Island Chapel has survived three major hurricanes including Hazel, Hugo, amd Matthew. And while there was major damage from Hugo, help from locals and the Palweys Island Rotary helped finance extensive restorations.

The Chapel also saw major restorations in 2005, which gave the building a new roof, siding, windows, and central heat & air conditioning. These restorations were followed by a foundation repair that took place in 2018. The Chapel was lifted from its foundation and moved across the street between the North and South Causeways to reinforce the foundation.

The Pawleys Island Chapel is the island’s singular house of worship and offers services each Sunday at 10 am. The Chapel is also available for weddings, christenings, and memorials from September through May each year. All ceremonies here must be conducted by an ordained minister. The chapel can hold up to 150 people.

If you’re interested in hosting an event at the Chapel, contact Pawleys Island Realty at 843-237-2000. It is $250 to secure your date, $75 for a non-refundable clean-up fee, and $100 for cancellations.

Sources: scpictureproject.org; pawleysislandrealty.com