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CAM M»r COUNTY MAGAZINE 15 TUNE '83

Chapel Is Sunday Reminder

(R-om Page 17)The building of the chapel itself was. completed by Town Bank resident Nathan Sheppard, now deceased, and although no one can remember for certain, it’s believed that he volunteered his labor.: The cost of the lumber was financed through donations. "Mary Fehr used to go up and down the street with a bucket and collect money,” said Doan. FAMILIES OF various backgrounds had moved to Town Bank by that time, creating a community' of more than just family, and the need for a chapel that could include them all. The chapel has always emphasized its non-dcnominational stance, said Doan. “If you come,

you’re a member.” Those involved with the chapel claim various religious backgrounds: Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, and Assembly of God. "My mother's big concern was that any one person would try to control the chapel," said Dilks. "She wanted a place where everyone could say what they wanted, and no one dominated.” "It’s all volunteer work," said Doan, adding that no one, but a local boy who mows the lawn, is paid. The two side Sunday School rooms have been added to the chapel in this manner, financed ana built entirely through memorials and volunteer donations.

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DOAN'S JOB, as adult teacher, is more that of preparing an informal lesson than of giving a formal sermon. He is not an ordained minister, and the “preaching” spot is filled by any one of those attending who might volunteer, including the granddaughter of Agnes Millar, Marion MacNeil. Services are limited to an hour, 9:30 to 10:30, to allow the vacationers the rest of the day for family time. “It’s nice,” said Dilks, “because you can walk down the street to church, and you don’t have to dress up.” During services at the chapel, time is given to remembering old friends who have returned to visit Town Bank, and welcoming new family members. The hymns used are well-known favorites, familiar to most visitors, and the sermon is short. Attendance may range from five to 85. MANY OF THOSE involved in the chapel are the same children, now adults,, who sat on the rowboat benches in 1937. Vivian Dilks was appointed piano player in 1939 at the age of 16. Forty-four years later, she continues to play for chapel services. When the Sunday School began, Fehr, continuing her strategy of house-to-house canvassing, asking for $5 from each family to buy Sunday School chairs for their children Those chairs are still

On the cover: Mr. and Mrs. Bob Doan outside Cape May Beach Chapel. Photo by Doris Ward.

there and the names of the former children are painted on the backs of the seats that their children occupy. The importance of private contributions was also stressed at the fii'st meeting of the association: “Free will gifts from Christian people shall be the only means of raising money.” Consequently, there are no ‘‘benefits, trades, or amusements” held to raise money, and the building is used only by Christian groups. The chapel has no heat or restrooms, said Doan, and renting to other groups, or holding fundraisers, would mean that these comforts would have to be added As it is now, anyone needing a restroom is given directions to the Doan house up the street. THE CONGREGATION likes to keep things as simple as possible, and the money in the right hands Contributions are used in three equal parts for building insurance, maintenance, and missions. The group has sent donations to missionaries in Paris, Africa, and parts of the United Stales, as well as New Jersey homes for children, the Robin’s Nest and Ranch Hope Until her death in 1972, Mary Fehr continued her involvement with the small church at the end of the street. "That little chapel was her love," said Dilks. “Every Saturday she’d carry a bucket of water down the street to clean, and every Sunday she’d carry a bouquet of flowers for the service.

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