The Mississippi Chapel That's As Haunted As It Is Historic
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published October 18, 2018
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Spine-chilling historical haunts are plentiful in the Magnolia State — and Chapel of the Cross is one of the most noteworthy. The stunning chapel dates back to the 1850s and is still in use today. But depending on who you ask, not all the visitors are from this world. Take a look:
This is Chapel of the Cross. Built in 1852, it can be found in Madison, MS, just off Highway 16.
It’s often described as a "Gothic-style masterpiece." After one look at the stunning chapel and its pointed arch doorways and sharply-tipped windows, I think most would agree.
But the incredible architecture isn’t all the chapel is known for. The building itself, as well as the graveyard, have a reputation for being haunted by several apparitions.
Of all the ghosts that haunt the chapel and its grounds, Helen Johnstone is probably the most notorious. She's often seen sobbing inconsolably near the grave of Henry Vick.
According to local lore, Helen was happily engaged to Henry, and the two were set to marry on May 21, 1859. Sadly, they never made it to the altar because Henry died in a duel just a few days before the wedding. Completely heartbroken, Helen attended the funeral in her wedding dress, then spent hours at Henry’s grave, sobbing and talking to his headstone. She eventually moved on with her life and married a minister. However, it seems a part of her has never healed, leaving her to long for Henry for all eternity.
It’s said the phantom visitors climb up a tree, and sit there for quite some time before vanishing into thin air. Some believe the two spirits are Henry and Helen, trying to make a life together here on Earth.
The strange happenings aren’t limited to ghostly sightings, though.
Over the years, some weird things have happened inside the church. On several occasions late at night, the organ began to play on its own. Also, there are reports of phantom laughter, which has been eerily described as "non-stop, manic giggling." And then there are the blood stains that appear every now and then on the chapel’s floors.
The inexplicable occurrences inside the church are often attributed to a former caretaker, who murdered his wife and then killed himself within the chapel’s walls.
According to local lore, the caretaker suddenly snapped and chopped off the head of his wife. He then cleaned up the bloody mess and hung himself from the chapel’s rafters.
Due to past vandalism, the chapel and graveyard are locked up at 6 p.m. each night. But don't worry; you can still visit.
Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call the chapel office at (601) 856-2593.
Chapel of the Cross is located at 674 Mannsdale Rd., Madison, MS 39110. For more information, call (601) 856-2593. Likewise, you can visit the chapel’s website. So, did you know about this chapel’s spooky past? Ever visited? If so, did you experience anything strange? Tell us in the comments section.
