McBee Chapel was built in 1841 at the request of Alexander McBee, son of Vardry McBee, founder of Conestee, S.C. This building was designed and laid out by John Adams, Vardry McBee’s millwright. Mr. Adams designed the church in an octagonal shape so as to accommodate more seating space. The church seats 150 people. There are only two other octagonal brick churches of this type in the United States.
Vardry McBee was considered the “Father of Greenville” Vardry McBee, as well as his son, Alexander, donated funds to build the Chapel. Thus, the Chapel was named for McBee. John Adams was a millwright and mechanical engineer from Stirlingshire, Scotland. He came to America in 1834 to practice his trade. He met Vardry McBee in Lincolnton, N.C.
In 1830’s Vardry McBee acquired land along the Conestee River. He moved to Greenville County, along with Adams. The men developed a large paper and textile mill. The businesses were known as Conestee Manufacturing. Adams also engineered the dam at Conestee that powered the mill.
The Chapel was built for the workers of McBee’s factory. The Chapel was a Methodist Church in the Conestee mill community. Workers were required to attend services. The church was first served by Methodist circuit riders. Local convention holds that the Chapel was a rallying point for induction into the Army, at the time of the Civil War.
McBee Chapel was added to the National Registry of Historic Places on March 23, 1972. Although electricity was added in the twentieth century, the building retains much of its original character and still lacks indoor plumbing. Restoration efforts, including repairs completed during its 150th anniversary celebration in 1991, have helped to preserve this unique landmark for future generations. Today, McBee Chapel stands as a lasting reminder of Conestee’s early industrial heritage and the important role faith played in the life of its mill community.
McBee Chapel can be reserved for meetings and events, concerts, and weddings. Call for pricing and details.
1 mile south of SC Hwy. 291 on US 25, turn east on Fork Shoals Road in the town of Conestee.
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