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A BRIEF HISTORY OF COROLLA CHAPEL
In 1885 the local community in Corolla formed a congregation. Two carpenters built the original one room Chapel which had a seating capacity of 100. The chapel was in the Baptist Conference from 1885 to 1938. They would send Circuit riding preachers to the chapel fairly regularly. In those days there were no bridges and access to the Outer Banks was gained primarily by way of boats. Due to the difficulty in getting to the Outer Banks, sometime in 1938 the preachers gradually stopped coming regularly. The chapel continued to be used for Sunday school and an occasional Pastor visiting the area from 1938 to around 1958
It was listed to be sold on a tax sale as abandoned property in 1962. John W. Austin protested and was given the deed to the property with the stipulation that he had to pay taxes as long as there was no schedule of services.
The chapel eventually fell in to disuse. In the early 1980’s a variety of groups came to minister at the chapel for a few weeks each summer, but none of them stayed. In 1987 Pastor John Strauss and his wife Ruth came to Corolla Chapel during the summer season. At the urging of some of the local parishioners, Pastor John and his wife started a year round service in 1988.
A vestibule, restroom, and porch were added in 1992. In the ensuing years the Outer Bank experienced a growing influx of tourism. On January 30, 1995 Ruth Strauss went to be with her Lord. Ruth played a pivotal role in bringing the chapel to where it is today.
Plans were drawn to increase the size of the little chapel to accommodate the area’s growth and make room for the growing number of vacationers attracted to the Corolla area. A new structure was envisioned which would accommodate and compliment the little chapel. Included in the vision was a beautiful stain glass window designed and commissioned by Pastor Strauss to honor his late wife Ruth. The congregation needed to obtain property to carry out this vision. Norris Austin graciously deeded the chapel to the congregation. In 2001 the congregation purchased a lot across the street from the chapel’s original location and construction was started on the present structure. On October 4, 2002 the old chapel was moved across the street and affixed to the new construction forming a cruciform.
Construction of a new Fellowship Hall on the south side of the structure was begun and completed in 2007, by Scott Austin. Pastor Strauss retired on December 31, 2007 and installed Rick Griffis as his successor January 6, 2008.
A twin structure (Education Center) to the Fellowship Hall is planned for the future. Before that phase of the vision will be realized, a parsonage will be built on property located in Monteray Shores that was donated to the Corolla Chapel by Tom and Peggy O’Brien.
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