Reaves Chapel Restoration Fund
Help complete the final phase of restoring Reaves Chapel!
Reaves Chapel is one of the Cape Fear region’s most culturally and historically significant African American structures. People who were formerly enslaved built Reaves Chapel on the bluffs of the Cape Fear River shortly before or just after the Civil War. The chapel served the community and an active congregation for more than 150 years before closing its doors. In the time since, this small, yet still cherished building suffered the prolonged effects of weather damage and was at risk of being lost forever.
In 2019, the Coastal Land Trust, with Cedar Hill West Bank Heritage Foundation and other partners, purchased the church and have been working on its restoration – and we’re excited to be nearing its completion!
But this is where YOU come in…
The final phase of restoration can’t begin until we raise the remaining $390,000 needed. Thanks to an anonymous donor, we have a challenge pledge of $200,000 – which we will only receive if we can raise an additional $190,000 from the community. We need to secure these funds before the end of the year!
This final phase includes:
- completing the interior
- the construction of an external bathroom
- a parking lot with accessible parking
- landscaping
We need to raise the funds before the end of the year in order to complete the restoration of this cherished piece of local history…can we count on you? Make your gift below!
You can learn more about this project here.
Thank you and follow the restoration progress here.
