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End Of An Era: Tiny Goose Creek Chapel To Permanently Close

The Wedding & Prayer Chapel sits on about one acre of land off St. James Avenue in Goose Creek. (COURTESY: The Berkeley Observer)

GOOSE CREEK, S.C. – After more than three decades and thousands of wedding ceremonies, Meditation Chapel Ministries, Inc. announced Monday that The Wedding and Prayer Chapel of Goose Creek will permanently close Sunday, Oct. 17 after its final church service.

The chapel’s upcoming closure comes nearly two years after its founder, Pastor M.C. Williams, passed away in 2019 at the age of 86. He first opened the chapel in 1987 – almost 35 years ago – with his late wife, Polly.

“It is a sad day, but we know that God never closes a door without another being open. I am so grateful for the opportunity given to me by Pastor Williams and his family,” Pastor Dave Crane told The Berkeley Observer.

Following Williams’ death, Crane took over from his long-time mentor and friend, overseeing the chapel and leading weekly Sunday sermons, memorial services, christenings, etc. – all with the blessing of Williams’ family.

Pictured: Pastor Dave Crane and the late Rev. M.C. Williams (Photo Provided)

“Our special appreciation goes to Pastor Dave Crane who faithfully served as an assistant to Pastor Williams and, since his passing, has continued to serve as minister and wedding officiant for the chapel. Blessings to you Pastor Dave in your next season of ministry reaching the Greater Charleston area and beyond,” Pastor Carl Morris, Williams’ son-in-law said in a statement.

For Crane, the closing of the chapel, an eye-catching landmark off St. James Avenue in Goose Creek, is bittersweet.

“I love this place and all the people who have came through the door,” he said.

According to Crane, the chapel, which has relied a great deal on its wedding services to help keep the lights on over the years. Pre-COVID, it averaged anywhere from 30-40 weddings a year. Last year, the chapel performed only 12.

“We are unsure of the future of the chapel, but it will be put up for sale,” Crane said.

As the chapel prepares to close, Crane said he will continue to spread the message of God under his new ministry, Power in Christ Ministries.

“I will continue to have my live service every Sunday at 4 p.m. as well as conduct weddings and other Christian services at any chosen venue,” he said.

For more information on Crane’s new ministry and how you can help support it, click here.


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Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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