We are grateful to Chris Reinolds Kozelle, Director of Public Relations at Berry College, for sharing the history of Barnwell Chapel and the story of its renovation. Berry College has shown great care in preserving both the Berry legacy and that of its founder, Martha Berry. This little chapel is truly a jewel that will endure for generations.

Barnwell Chapel, located on the campus of Berry College, was built in 1911 by local architect John Barnwell, who designed several of the school’s buildings. Over the years, the chapel has served many purposes—chapel, classroom, study hall, library, music studio, and even a small store. Built as a wood frame structure with a log veneer, its exterior logs can be removed and replaced, as was done during a recent restoration using timber from Berry’s own 27,000-acre campus. By 2019, the chapel was suffering from severe rot and structural issues. The renovation restored it to its original design while strengthening it to prevent future damage.

Captain John Gibbs Barnwell, originally from Charleston, South Carolina, had been a sea captain before retiring to Mt. Alto near Rome, Georgia. He was a leader of the Plymouth Brethren, a sect without ministers. At first, he declined Martha Berry’s request to serve as her architect, but later agreed, saying it was “the Lord’s work.” According to one story, Martha once paid him $100, only to see him send it to charity at the post office. She never paid him again.

The chapel was built by students of the Berry School and dedicated on 11/11/1911. It features four side rooms, used over the years as a store, library, music room, and prayer room. One remains a prayer room today. For its first nine years, the chapel held school desks instead of pews. Thanks to the meticulous restoration, Barnwell Chapel stands ready to welcome visitors for many more years, a testament to Berry College’s commitment to preserving its history.