Chapel planned as part of Elevate Community

A local couple is dedicated to planting chapels across the Ozarks and beyond.

It started with one small chapel, located in Notch, near Silver Dollar City. Bud and Lynda Lynn say that it is a little chapel making a big difference. To date, the couple has completed four chapels, and plans are underway for their fifth, right here in Branson.

"Chapelwoods at the Great Passion Play was opened last fall," explained Lynda Lynn. "The fall colors adorned this little chapel with a colorful display of God's beauty. Another little chapel, Chapelwoods Number Two, is located in Buena Park, California, along a busy intersection near Knott's Berry Farm, on church grounds operated by Pastor Wiley Drake, who aids to provide food and shelter to the homeless. A third Chapelwoods has been built at GUMI (Glad You Made It) Camp near Cedar Creek, Missouri, just south of Forsyth at a 200-acre complex which houses military veterans who are recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This little chapel provides an atmosphere of peaceful respite. Tim Hadler, who portrays Hank Williams here in Branson, owns and operates the property."

The chapel that Bud and Lynda most recently opened at the Great Passion Play in nearby Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is located near the Christ of the Ozarks Statue. Probably the most visible of all of their chapels, this one promises to be visited by thousands of tourists each year. It is located along a prayer walk that includes the Engetti Baptismal Fount, the Prayer Cross and the giant statue of Jesus Christ of the Ozarks, that overlooks Eureka Springs.

Bud and Lynda are working hard on plans for their fifth chapel, to be located on the grounds of Elevate Community, the Tiny Home neighborhood that is part of the Elevate Branson organization, located on Branson's Gretna Road.

Said Lynda, "Our hearts are to help the homeless and the veterans who feel out of touch and displaced, or not placed at all in society. Elevate's ministry provides food, shelter and skills workshops. They plan to have church services there. Elevate provides opportunity for independent living in the tiny homes onsite. Elevate is elated to have a little chapel for the many residents there. They already have chosen a special spot for Chapelwoods."

Lynda noted that many Branson residents are excited about the addition of a chapel to the Elevate Community.

"Branson officials have made guidelines to follow, which Elevate has abided by. Elevate has the go-ahead to build this little community along with this little chapel to help people in need," Lynda noted.

Construction for the newest chapel is set to begin in mid-July. But, to make this chapel a reality, the community's help is needed.  

"We have always been blessed with volunteers on board. Every Chapelwoods that we have built was adopted by the area folks. They have taken the chapels under their wings, adopting the little chapel as their own," said Lynda. "Each time, area volunteers adopted a love for the project, offering loving hands. We will need materials, church pews, strong helping hands and cash donations. We are a 501(c)(3) and a federal authorized Christian organization."

An upcoming event will help raise some of the needed funds to help make Chapelwoods a reality. Jammin' for Jesus, a monthly event held at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, is a free admission gospel concert, held April through December. Jammin' for Jesus is a nonprofit ministry that supports local charities through free admission, donation-based gospel concert events, designed to help the community while showcasing the area's talented gospel singers.

Chapelwoods is the beneficiary of the first Jammin' for Jesus of 2026, set for Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on 76 Country Boulevard.

"We are thankful that Jammin' for Jesus, hosted by Sheila Meeker and Brian Pendergrass, has invited us for this project," said Lynda. "There will be gospel singing artists including Wendell Johnson, The Harmony Trio and Selah Pulse. We will show videos of the two KOLR 10 television presentations when they visited our Chapelwoods at Notch."

Bud and Lynda, both gifted vocalists, will also perform during April's Jammin' for Jesus. Additionally, "On the Third Day," a beautiful Easter-themed song written by Lynda will be showcased during the event.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the upcoming Jammin' for Jesus fundraising event. If you cannot attend and wish to make a financial contribution to Chapelwoods, donate needed materials or volunteer to help with the construction, you can reach Bud and Lynda Lynn at angelstrails@gmail.com, or on their website at lyndalynnsongs.com. They can be reached by mail at 50 Lynnwood Drive, Reeds Spring, MO 65737 or by phone at 417-527-5381 or 417-527-5382.

"Our mission statement with the little chapels is to provide a place where people feel a warm welcome when they enter," explained Lynda. "Our prayer is that visitors will find peace and a closer relationship with our creator. We hope, also, to provide a sanctuary for the hurting who may feel uncomfortable in a large church setting. Please come and visit. There is a Big God in these little chapels."