Area nonprofit receives national acclaim

A local nonprofit organization is getting some national attention. Chapel Trails Across America (also known as Chapelwoods) is a ministry started by Bud and Lynda Lynn. The couple's desire is to build small churches—or chapels—around the region and across America, allowing people who may be apprehensive about entering a traditional church to visit and feel the love of God.

Bud and Lynda's first chapel was constructed in Notch, Missouri, near Silver Dollar City, adjacent to a walking trail that Lynda frequently visited. The chapel was dedicated in 2013 and has been used for weddings and ordinations, featured on the cover of a CD and has hosted numerous musical entertainers. The second Chapelwoods was built on a church property in Buena Park, California, and the next was built on GUMI Camp, a 200-acre camp for veterans, located in Cedar Creek and owned by Tim and Angela Hadler.

The most recently completed Chapelwoods venue was constructed at the Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The chapel is special to Bud and Lynda because it will be dedicated to the memory of their son, Rory, who passed away suddenly in 2022 at the age of 41.  

Two more chapels are set to open this year—one in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and the other right here in Branson on the site of Elevate Community, a branch of the Elevate Branson nonprofit, located on Gretna Road. Construction will begin on the Branson chapel in the very near future.

Chapel Trails Across America has been nominated in the category of Nonprofit of the Year in the nationally acclaimed Josie Awards, held in Nashville, Tennessee.  The Josie Awards is the most revered awards program dedicated to honoring independent musicians, vocalists, entertainers and others who help share their music worldwide. The Josie Awards celebrates artists and songwriters in all genres of music, from up-and-coming entertainers to established legends.

Both Bud and Lynda are gifted vocalists, and Lynda is also an accomplished songwriter. Bud and Lynda are no stranger to awards shows, as Lynda has received three prestigious Josie Songwriter Achievement Awards in recent years, and has been nominated for a total of six Josie Awards, for songs she has written for many artists not only in Branson but across the USA. She has also received an amazing 17 ASCAP Awards since she began utilizing her gift as a songwriter.

This year's nomination is for Bud and Lynda's work with Chapelwoods.

"I did not know they even had a category for Nonprofit Organization of the Year," Lynda explained. "The Josie Awards is governed by a panel of professionals.  It is not by popular vote, as some awards are."

The 12th Annual Josie Awards Show is set for Sunday, September 20, at the beautiful Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

"The goal is to open the doors of these little chapels for people who may be afraid to enter a traditional church, to get a touch from the Lord," said Lynda. "Chapelwoods is a little chapel, making a big difference."