LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Lincoln Landmarks, Inc., a preservation nonprofit based in Lincoln County, NC, has announced a $50,000 grant to support the restoration of Brevard’s Chapel in Denver, NC. Built in the late 1870s, the structure is not only historically and culturally important, but also architecturally important as one of the few remaining examples of Carpenter Gothic construction in this region of the state.

Established in the post–Civil War era on land owned by Catawba Springs blacksmith Henry Brevard, the chapel was constructed by the formerly enslaved as a sanctuary for worship and community gathering.  After 150 years in operation, the dwindling congregation disbanded in 2020, and the structure had recently become endangered.  A demolition planned for the summer of 2025 was announced.

Following a joint effort spearheaded by the non-profit HEARTS Collaborative (heartsco.org) with assistance from Lincoln Landmarks, Preservation North Carolina, the Lincoln County Historic Preservation Commission, the Lincoln County Historical Association, and the State of North Carolina, a rehabilitation plan was approved, which, upon completion, will allow Brevard’s Chapel to open as a new community hub for Denver featuring a museum, chapel, and community space operated by HEARTS.

The grant was secured through the office of NC State Senator Ted Alexander, whose Senate district includes Lincoln, Cleveland, and portions of Gaston Counties, as part of periodic member-directed grants designed to assist projects within each legislator’s district.  Said Senator Alexander, “In the vein of continuing to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, I am delighted that I could direct resources to support the preservation of this important piece of endangered history. I am also appreciative of Representative Heather Rhyne who recognized its significance and delivered support in the House for this initiative. Preservation of this property will ensure that, even with the rapid development in the area, its rich and full history will be memorialized.” 

Beth Yarbrough, president of Lincoln Landmarks, made the announcement.  “We are grateful for the efforts of Senator Alexander to help save this very important piece of Lincoln County history.  Once completed, the site will become a community gathering space that will not only preserve and respect the rich cultural and architectural history, but will also carry that legacy into the future, to the benefit of all.”

“This grant is a vital step forward in preserving Brevard’s Chapel and ensuring its historic legacy endures,” said Abigail Jennings, president and founder of HEARTS Collaborative. “We are deeply grateful for the generous support from Senator Alexander and the collaborative dedication of our community partners. Together, we are turning a historic landmark into a vibrant hub for history, culture, and connection for generations to come.”

Project details are available on the HEARTS website at https://heartscollaborative.org/brevards-chapel. The capital campaign to fund the restoration project is ongoing. A little over $200,000, including this grant, has been raised toward the $250,000 2026 goal, which will allow the project to begin. The total cost for the project is $625,000.