Murphy – The historic Harshaw Chapel, Murphy’s oldest surviving structure, is ready to reopen its doors after years of uncertainty, community fundraising and careful restoration.
The chapel will be open to the public for a rededication ceremony beginning at 10 am, Friday, May 1, marking a significant milestone in the preservation of Cherokee County’s history.
The ceremony includes a ribbon-cutting at the chapel at 1 p.m., with an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with graveyard tours and a reopening ceremony.
A worship service will be held at the chapel at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, with a reception to follow.
Decoration Day will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, when the local community can come to decorate familial plots or place a flag on one of the 41 veterans graves.
Interesting history and graveyard statistics completed by Friends of Harshaw Chapel Chair Rev. Marji Hill will be available at all of the events.
Presented to the Methodist Episcopal Church South on May 1, 1869 (Friday marks its 157th anniversary), the small brick chapel has long stood as a landmark in downtown Murphy and a reminder of the town’s earliest days.
Over time, age and weather took a toll on the structure. Old wooden beam supports had deteriorated to the point where collapse was possible, and in December 2019, the steeple was removed as a precaution.
The revival of Harshaw Chapel was not the result of a single funding source, but a collective commitment. Support came from local residents, preservation groups, and organizations such as Partners for Sacred Places.
Additional funding came from the Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority and private donors who helped move the project to completion. Local contractor Wolfgang Raffler carried out work following historic preservation standards.
Although fundraising efforts date back several years, momentum steadily built through community campaigns, small-scale fundraisers, and ongoing advocacy led by the Friends of Harshaw Chapel.
The roof restoration project was completed in November 2025, completing the initial restoration phase.
The reopening represents more than just the repair of a roof – it symbolizes the preservation of shared heritage. Plans for the chapel’s future reflect both its history and potential. The building is envisioned to be a space to host cultural events, storytelling, music, and worship services – ensuring the building remains an active part of Murphy’s civic life.