By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
Founded in 1976, The Chapel in the Pines was the vision of Seven Lakes residents who wanted a place to worship together regardless of denomination. As the Chapel approaches its 50th anniversary in November 2026, Pastor Paul James and the congregation recently reflected on the past and the legacy they are building.
The charming, white clapboard chapel stands sentry between the entrances to Seven Lakes North and South at 581 Seven Lakes Drive. The land on which it sits was donated by Seven Lakes Developer Fred Lawrence in the hopes of creating a community church. It is a vision that guides the Chapel today.
A group of 28 residents, retirees and avid golfers who flocked to Seven Lakes in its early days founded the congregation. They wanted a place to worship together regardless of denominational affiliation.
Two families, the Cowans and the McManuses, helped fund the initial building, inspired by a shared loss.
“They came from the same town in Ohio,” said James. “They didn’t know each other until they came here. Both families had lost teenage sons. They became fast friends and decided to build the Chapel in their memory.”
The centrally located building makes it an important landmark.
“We are a community church,” James said. “We open our doors to everyone, for weddings, funerals, Bible studies, whether or not they’ve ever been a part of the church.”
The first service, a wedding, was held 49 years ago on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The bride had been promised the wedding would take place on the appointed day. And with construction material still laying around, it did.
In a nod to the original constituents, Sunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. “Every founder was a golfer,” said James. “They wanted to finish worship and get straight to the Country Club.”
The worship style is characterized by members not as modern or contemporary but as “lively.”
A Diverse Community
One of the most distinctive features of the Chapel is its interdenominational nature. People from a variety of perspectives come together for worship, study and service.
“It’s a pleasure to see people with different theological backgrounds come together in discussion,” said James. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
Over the years, the Chapel has evolved into a community hub. It hosts local clubs, support groups and meetings. The Garden Club of Seven Lakes, the Women of Seven Lakes, Kiwanis Club, AA and Al-Anon organizations all hold meetings at the Chapel.
“We host all sorts of community groups for free, because that’s how the church was founded.”
For the third year, the Chapel is also hosting The Preschool in the Pines. The program is run independently by Alison McCloskey, James’ oldest daughter.
A Calling Years in the Making
James’ path to ministry was not linear. A native of Union, South Carolina, he followed his brother’s footsteps to Wofford College, studying biology with plans for medical school. But life and faith had different plans. He took a detour and went to dental school.
He met his bride, Julie during dental school. They welcomed Alison to the family and then her sister, Anne Marie.
James practiced dentistry in Robbinsville, NC before moving to Seven Lakes for better opportunities and schools for their children.
In Seven Lakes, the James family began worshipping at West End Presbyterian Church, which had a dynamic youth group. One day at church he heard someone talking about Wofford College. At the mention of his alma mater, he was delighted to turn to see a beloved former professor of his, Don Welch.
Welch and the then-pastor of WEPC, Dudley Crawford, became spiritual mentors who nurtured a seed of a calling to ministry planted long before.
“When I was 16, I gave a sermon at church,” said James. “A lady came up to me afterward and said, ‘You’ve been called to be a minister. You may not realize it yet, but one day you will.’”
That affirmation echoed through decades of professional dentistry, family life and community service until it could no longer be ignored. Amplified by Crawford and Welch, Paul was encouraged to step into ministry while still practicing dentistry.
He enrolled in the Certified Ruling Elder program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., which emphasizes practical ministry education. He briefly served the congregation of Jackson Springs Presbyterian Church before being called as the Pastor of the Chapel in the Pines.
Living the Gospel
James has served the congregation for over 11 years. He retired from dentistry in 2019.
“It’s the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” he said. “I love every last minute of it. It’s been a real joy of my life.”
The stated mission of the church he leads is to serve the community by preaching, teaching and living the gospel, and it has stayed consistent even as demographics change. “The most important part of that is the living part,” James said.
It’s these nearly 50 years of living out the gospel that members look forward to celebrating and commemorating.
The church will celebrate its 49th anniversary in worship on Sunday, Nov. 16. A special concert will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15. “We’re thinking of it as a warm up for our 50th,” James said.
The 50th anniversary will be a major event featuring guests, the opening of a time capsule and historical reflections.
As the congregation anticipates the milestone, it will be more than a celebration of years. Members will celebrate a church rooted in hospitality, spiritual diversity and a commitment to serving the community of Seven Lakes.
“Anyone who walks through the doors,” James said, “is welcome here.”
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
