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.
The Chapel of the Cross/Facebook
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.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
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.
The Chapel of the Cross/Facebook
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.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi 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.
On several occasions, two apparitions have been seen walking straight through a locked gate.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi 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.
The Chapel of the Cross/Facebook 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.
chapelofthecross.org 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.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Chapel of the Cross offers tours of the chapel and historic cemetery.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi 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.
The Chapel of the Cross/Facebook
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
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.
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.
chapelofthecross.org
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.
Tours are available by appointment only. To schedule a tour, call the chapel office at (601) 856-2593.
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