Chapel stands as monument

Travelers on U.S. 522 are slowing to a crawl as they pass through Winston. Why? I’m told they are intrigued by the lovely stone church that stands magnificently at the edge of the road.

Winston Memorial Chapel was the dream of Lucien Dade Winston Sr., a Civil War veteran and the founder of “Winstonville.” It was most likely envisioned as early as the 1880s, and finally came to fruition under tragic circumstances in 1907.

Mr. Winston, who lived at the bustling township now known as Winston, firmly believed that any viable village wishing to declare itself a Christian community must have a place of worship.

He was also looking to the future need for a family burial ground.

Mitchells Presbyterian and Cedar Run Baptist were the closest churches; however, they were located several miles away and in service to other communities. In 1892, the Cedar Run voted to build a new church. Mr. Winston saw an opportunity and offered to build the new church if they would relocate to Winston. The offer was declined, but like many worthy ideas buoyed by dogged determination, it was not discarded.

Fourteen years later, tragedy struck. Winston’s eldest son, Malcolm Boddie Winston, contracted typhoid fever and died while attending the University of Virginia in 1906. The family buried him in an open field that has become the family burial ground to the north of the today’s chapel. The site of the Winston Memorial Chapel was thus determined.

Construction was begun in 1907 and took two years to complete. The chapel was dedicated to the memory of his son in 1909.

Built of granite quarried from Winston’s own land, the structure contains what appears to be a bell tower, but without a bell, and a full basement often used to store vegetables. The tower supports a Celtic cross, the roof was originally covered with slate and the walls are approximately two feet thick. The structure included an indoor restroom facilitated by a rainwater collection system for flushing.

Never wishing to compete with neighboring churches, only evening services were held, only on the second and fourth Sundays. The services never included Holy Communion. Mr. Winston was Episcopalian by baptism; however, the chapel was interdenominational and services were conducted regularly until about 1928 by the Rev. Hooper from Mitchells Presbyterian.

For a brief period in the 1970s, the Winston family made the chapel available to the Cedar Grove Methodist Church for regular services. In addition to this usage, there have been several special occasions including Christenings, weddings and funerals.

The chapel remains in the family and stands as a living monument to one man’s effort to contribute to the well being of his community. Perhaps, there is yet another life for this enduring structure just waiting for another individual with vision and determination.

Until next week, be well.