Traveling has always been a passion of mine, and by the grace of God, I have had the opportunity to go beyond the backroads I drive daily. At times, my travels lead me to places most often visited, like beaches or amusement parks, but sometimes I discover somewhere new that piques my interest. One of my favorite places I have visited over the past couple of years first caught my eye when it appeared on my news feed.
There it was, the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, often referred to as the “Pretty Place Chapel,” featured in a video showcasing the mountainous views of South Carolina. The first moment my eyes saw the video, I knew that one day I would visit. The chapel was a little less than five hours from where I live, which to me does not feel like a long trip, but it was difficult to find the time to make my way there. That was until I took a weeklong trip, making various stops as I looped around, first in Mississippi, then Alabama, before moving on to Georgia. During that trip, I decided I would finally make my way to the “Pretty Place Chapel,” since it was not too far out of my route. Needless to say, I did not regret that choice.
The “Pretty Place Chapel”
Located near Cleveland, South Carolina, the “Pretty Place Chapel” nestles away on Standing Stone Mountain at YMCA Camp Greenville. The chapel was built in 1941 when Fred W. Symmes wanted to create a peaceful outdoor space where campers could gather for worship and reflection. Symmes, a Greenville, South Carolina businessman and philanthropist in the early twentieth century, was a strong supporter of YMCA Camp Greenville, which was established in 1912. He believed deeply in the camp’s mission of spiritual growth and character development through nature.
Although officially named the Fred W. Symmes Chapel, people gradually began referring to it as the “Pretty Place Chapel.” No single individual is credited with giving it the nickname; rather, it seems to have emerged naturally over time as visitors were struck by the breathtaking views. The name fits perfectly, as the chapel overlooks a stunning panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Since its construction in 1941, the chapel has been carefully maintained and restored to preserve its beauty and structure. As an open-air chapel facing the mountains, it creates a peaceful escape unlike any other. Today, visitors travel from near and far to hold weddings, memorial services, or simply to sit quietly and take in the experience.
Lift My Eyes to Him
Traveling through the hills of South Carolina, I finally found my way to the “Pretty Place Chapel.” Upon arriving, I walked into the chapel, where your eyes are immediately drawn to the mountains beyond the altar. Having grown up in the mountains, I have always cherished the view from above and the beauty of God’s creation laid out before me. When I sat down on one of the wooden benches, I felt at home. There was simply a peace about being there.
Above the altar are the words, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills… Psalm 121:1,” and that was exactly what I did. During my time there, people came and went, yet as I sat taking in the view, it felt as though I was alone. I sat there praying and thanking God for His blessings, including the opportunity to finally visit this chapel, the one that had kept me in awe every time I saw a video of it, and even more so the moment I stepped inside.
Before leaving, I walked around to take a few pictures and came across a plaque on one of the columns. It felt almost providential. The plaque read, “I’LL FLY AWAY,” a song I have heard and loved my whole life. I was reminded of Sundays growing up in church, when it seemed that song was always sung. I thought of moments spent with my family and how my dad would sing it. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day at the “Pretty Place Chapel”.
Sources and Further Reading
Camp Greenville. “Pretty Place Chapel (Fred W. Symmes Chapel).” YMCA Camp Greenville. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.campgreenville.org/pretty-place
YMCA Camp Greenville. A Century of Camping: The History of YMCA Camp Greenville. Greenville, SC: YMCA Camp Greenville, 2012.
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