Polly's Chapel Restoration
Learn about our efforts to restore this Texas Historical Landmark
Phase 1: 2015
Acquisition
Polly's Chapel was owned by the United Methodist Church. In 2011, we worked with them to transfer ownership of the historic chapel. That transfer was final on January 1, 2013. Then we began executing our capital campaign
Phase 2: 2015
Stabilization
Once the transfer was complete, we stabilized the grounds and Chapel. This included cleaning the road, trimming the trees, and improving the grounds. We also cleaned the Chapel inside and out.
Phase 3: 2015
Windows and Doors
Most of the windows in the chapel were damaged or their frames were rotting. Some windows had been broken due to vandalism, and the doors were broken and falling off of their hinges. Because the chape is a registered Texas Historical Landmark, any work done to the doors and windows had to follow strict guidelines for historical restoration. This meant that replacing the windows and doors would cost some $50,000.
Thanks to the support of the community, we raised the funds within 3 years and replaced the windows and doors.
Phase 4: 2015
Interiors
The interior of the chapel was in bad shape due to vandalism and a lack of maintenance. The floors needed cleaning, and the walls, lectern, and framing needed to be painted. So we hired a paint contractor who repainted everything. We also repaired the ceiling.
Next, new pews ere donated by Jane Smith. These pews matched the historical style of the original pews and were painted to match the chapel interiors.
Phase 5: 2016
Chapel gate
The gate which once secured the chapel had been long removed. We understood the need to protect the chapel from unauthorized access, as well as to prevent further vandalism.
In 2015, we had a local metal fabrication shop build a gate for us. We installed it along with a battery-operated opener with time settings so the chapel could be open to visitors during visitor hours.