Old McKendree Chapel

04/10/2026

For this year Senior Prom photos, we have several area high schools having their Prom on May 2nd. Old Mckendree Chapel Association would like to be accommodating to all that wish to use the grounds for their personal 2026 Prom pictures.

The gate at the turn around will be open and parking will be available on the gravel behind the Chapel until 7:00 pm, weather permitting. Please be courteous & don't block the entrance or another vehicle. We have to leave the lane open for emergency vehicles (fire, medical, law enforcement).

There is no fee for private individuals, donations would be very much appreciated.

Photographers that wish to do mini sessions (scheduling back-to-back on a specific date on the Chapel Grounds) will be required to pay a fee. Contact Caretakers for information.

The Chapel & Grounds are only open to the public by private donations. If you would like to leave any donation to help with upkeep, we have a locked donation box inside the Chapel to the left of the doors. Also donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 693, Jackson, Mo. 63755 or given to the Caretakers on the grounds any time.

04/02/2026

Several trees had been lost on the grounds due to age and storms.
Memorial trees has been planted to replace some of them and stones placed to recognize who they were planted in memory of.
Thank you to:
Kay Gilliland Story - Sun Valley Maple in memory of Founder Hiram Alexander Gilliland.
Eric Giboney - Regal Prince Oak in memory of Pioneer Family of James & Elizabeth Mary Williams Giboney who lived in the home on the land donated for Old McKendree Chapel to be built and continue the camp ground revivals.
Bob and Adelaide Parsons - Red Maple and Orange Maple in memory of WA "Bill" Heyde III and JW JR & Rena McCombs.

Old McKendree Association welcomes anyone that would like to have a memorial tree planted in memory or honor of a loved one, special person or just would like to help with replacing the lost trees is welcome to contact Old McKendree Chapel Association thru email ([email protected]) for more information.

03/26/2026

Old McKendree Chapel is still beautiful grounds to hold children's day camps, Ladies Auxiliary group meetings, Men's day retreat, family gatherings, especially when renovations are completed. Arranging / scheduling any type of gathering / activities are done through the Caretakers.
The grounds are going through renovations with restrooms being rebuilt and updated. The natural spring that is on grounds are on the list also with landscaping being updated for a serene place to just come for a quiet time to reflect & gather .
Caretakers are available for further questions and information on giving & support these upkeep of these historical sacred grounds. oldmckendree.org for more information.

01/26/2026

The sun is shining & it is a beautiful scene outside but still very cold !!!
The Old McKendree Chapel Lane is being cleaned off but it is a work in progress. Our tractor is a little smaller than the county snow plow but still under the very capable hands of our Caretaker (David Hopkins), the job is being done. We just ask to wait a couple of days before making a visit.
God bless to everyone, stay warm and safe 🥶☃️.

01/11/2026

Our plans for new restrooms and updated pavilion has started!! When visiting the grounds, the area around the pavilion is taped off. Please do not walk through that area due to safety concerns.
We are looking forward to the new additions & for the convenience to our visitors

12/23/2025

Old McKendree Chapel was part of the Christmas Country Church Tour again this year.
Thank you to all that came out on the wet Thursday 12/18 and the beautiful sunshine on Friday 12/19.

An annual December tradition continued in Southeast Missouri Thursday and Friday, Dec. 18 and 19. The Christmas Country Church Tour, presented by the Visit Perry County, gave visitors an opportunity to see decorations at more than three dozen churches.

This year Doris Dace used the history of different Christmas Trees down through the years. A favorite one of many was a wooden tree with many types and sizes of oil cans that she had acquired throughout many years with several belonging to past family generations. A quilt embroidered and pieced together by several ladies groups that showcased the area Methodist Churches in the Southeast Conference was also on display for all to view.

The books on the history of Old McKendree Chapel & picture of the Chapel were on hand for purchase.

12/09/2025

Come get in the holiday spirit. Christmas Country Church Tour marks 20 years

A Heartland holiday tradition is marking two decades.

10/30/2025

Beautiful fall day at Old McKendree Chapel today. God has painted a golden picture of his sacred grounds ❤️

09/26/2025