The Heart of Corolla

A legacy of faith, fellowship, and community since 1885.

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Corolla Chapel’s story begins in 1885, when a group of faithful residents in Corolla, North Carolina came together to form a congregation. Two local carpenters built the original one-room chapel, which seated up to 100 people. For over five decades, the chapel was part of the Baptist Conference, with circuit-riding preachers visiting regularly—often arriving by boat, as there were no bridges to the Outer Banks at the time.

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By 1938, these visits became less frequent due to the area’s difficult access, and the chapel transitioned into a space primarily used for Sunday school. From 1938 to 1958, it hosted only occasional services. By 1962, it had fallen into disuse and was listed as abandoned property, facing a tax sale. Local resident John W. Austin intervened, acquiring the property under the condition that he would cover the taxes as long as regular services were not held.

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In the early 1980s, various ministry groups began holding short-term summer services at the chapel, but none remained throughout the year. That changed in 1987, when Pastor John Strauss and his wife Ruth arrived to serve during the summer. Encouraged by locals, they began offering year-round services in 1988. The Austin family generously gifted the chapel building to this new ministry, with the stipulation that it remain an interdenominational Christian church serving the northern Outer Banks.

Growth came quickly. In 1992, a vestibule, porch, and restrooms were added to support the expanding congregation. As the community and number of visitors to Corolla grew, plans were made to expand further. Pastor Strauss commissioned a stained glass window—“The Legend of the Pelican”—in memory of Ruth, a faithful and foundational part of the chapel’s ministry until her passing in 1995.

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In 2001, land was purchased across the street from the original chapel. A new sanctuary was built to complement and expand the original space, which was physically moved and integrated into the new building on October 4, 2002. Together, the old and new structures form a cruciform layout, preserving the spirit and heart of the chapel while allowing for greater ministry reach.

A new fellowship hall was completed in 2007, and in 2020, an updated kitchen and expanded hall were added—making space for weekly dinners, community gatherings, and outreach to seasonal workers and international students. Since 2015, Corolla Chapel has supported Water’s Edge Charter School by providing classroom space during the off-season.

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One of the chapel’s most impactful ministries is its Bike Ministry, launched in 2016 to meet the needs of over 400 international students who work in Corolla each summer. With no public transportation available, refurbished donated bicycles offer students a vital way to get to work, fostering practical support and meaningful relationships.

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After decades of faithful service, Pastor Strauss retired in 2007. He was succeeded by Pastor Rick Griffis (2008–2015), and in 2015, Reverend Jim Southern and his wife Candy joined the ministry and continue to serve today.

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Today, Corolla Chapel is home to a year-round faith community of about 60-80 residents, while summer worship attendance swells to 250–300 across two Sunday morning services. The chapel continues to thrive as an interdenominational Christian fellowship committed to worship, outreach, and the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

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Whether you live nearby, are visiting the Outer Banks, or simply seeking a place to grow in faith, we invite you to experience Corolla Chapel—a place where history, heart, and hope meet. All are welcome here.