Our History

Our History: A Legacy of Faith and Growth

Great things have indeed come from small beginnings.

From outdoor worship services held in the early 1970s without a physical structure, Big Canoe Chapel was founded on a simple, powerful vision of gathering together. Over the decades, God has grown that vision into a vibrant, caring congregation.

Today, we honor that legacy by moving forward with renewed purpose. We continue to build on that foundation as we deepen our spiritual growth, mobilize our members for humble service, and renew our commitment to mission both locally and globally. Time marches on toward greater days ahead as we follow where God leads.

Did You Know?

Roots in Meaningful Worship

Before there was a building, there was a gathered community. In the early 1970s, a small group met faithfully in the "wild," natural beauty of Big Canoe. This commitment to gathering for meaningful worship remains the heart of our mission today.

Built on a Leap of Faith

Groundbreaking for the Chapel was July 19, 1977, with an audacious goal to finish by Christmas Eve of that same year. That incredible "leap of faith" built the physical foundation designed to facilitate spiritual growth and mobilize service for generations to come.

A Call to Gather

The Chapel bell has long been a welcoming sound across Big Canoe. It serves as an enduring invitation to all—regardless of denomination—to gather in our circle for worship, fellowship, and humble service.

Historical Timeline

  • 1974- A small group of homeowners and employees meet in the Canoe Lodge for Sunday worship.
  • 1977- Dr. Vernon Broyles becomes the Chapel’s Founding Chaplain. The Chapel construction begins and the first service is held on Christmas Eve.
  • 1984- The Chapel Cemetery is dedicated.
  • 1988- The Chapel’s expansion begins.
  • 1989- The Broyles Community Center is completed. A Time capsule is buried - to be opened in 2015.
  • 1990- The first Broyles Mission Conference is held.
  • 1992- Dr. Jimmy Allen becomes the Chapel’s Chaplain.
  • 1994- The Chapel Bell Tower is completed.
  • 1995- Lamar Helms becomes Director of the Men’s Chorus.
  • 1997- The Broyles Community Center is expanded and the Chapel Community Library is opened.
  • 1999- The Chapel Handbell Choir is formed.
  • 2000- The Terraces and Scout Hut is opened.
  • 2003- Dr. Jim McCormick becomes the Chapel’s Senior Chaplain.
  • 2004- Rev. Lamar Helms becomes the Chapel’s Associate Pastor.
  • 2006- The Chapel’s pipe organ is installed.
  • 2008- Dr. Grey Norsworthy is named the Chapel’s Senior Chaplain.
  • 2012- Rev. Len Walker is named the Chapel’s Senior Pastor.
  • 2015- The Chapel’s Time Capsule is opened.
  • 2020- Rev. Lamar Helms retired, Rev. David Apple is named Associate Pastor and Bruce Graham is named Director of Music Ministries.
  • 2021- Sam Holmes is named Director of Music Ministries.
  • 2022- Len Walker Retires and Dr. Tommy Green is named Interim Pastor of the Big Canoe Chapel.
  • 2024- Dr. Dock Hollingsworth is named as the Senior Chaplain of the Big Canoe Chapel.