Restoring History, Strengthening Faith: The Journey of The Chapel at Rippon Village

December 18, 2025

The Chapel at Rippon Village sat quietly for more than a decade, its white exterior weathered by time and its sanctuary empty of the voices and footsteps it once held. When Justin and Maria Souders first stepped inside, they were met with a silence that felt less abandoned and more sacred—almost as if the chapel had been waiting. That moment sparked what would become a God-given dream, one that grew from a simple renovation idea into a calling to restore not just a historic building, but a place of worship, celebration, and connection. 

Justin and Maria, guided by their own marriage journey and their shared desire to strengthen Christ-centered relationships, immediately sensed potential in the stillness. They imagined a place where couples could begin their covenant before God and return throughout their lives to worship, pray, and grow. As they began peeling back layers of old paint and replacing worn floorboards, they felt as though they were uncovering stories that came long before them. With each step of the restoration, they approached the work with humility, believing they were partnering with history rather than overwriting it. 

Today, The Chapel at Rippon Village offers an experience that visitors often describe as warm, peaceful, and deeply welcoming. Stepping inside feels like taking a breath you didn’t realize you needed. The Souders have intentionally created an atmosphere that blends reverence with comfort—a place that feels like home the moment you walk through the doors. Weddings and worship services naturally coexist within the chapel’s mission. To Justin and Maria, the two are beautifully intertwined: weddings celebrate the beginning of a covenant, while worship strengthens that covenant again and again. In their eyes, the chapel is a place where love begins and where love continues to flourish. 

Much of the chapel’s charm comes from the thoughtful spaces they designed throughout the building. The bridal suite carries soft colors and antiques that create a quiet, feminine calm on the morning of a wedding. The groom’s den reflects simple, classic masculinity with rustic touches. The gathering room—Maria’s personal favorite—has quickly become a hub for conversation, fellowship, tea parties, and community events. Every detail was chosen to feel personal, warm, and filled with intention. Beyond events and weddings, the Souders host Sunday worship services each week at 11:45 a.m., offering a simple, Scripture-focused gathering that anyone is welcome to join. Their hope is that families and individuals who walk through the doors feel invited into something meaningful, whether they’re attending a service, asking questions, or simply seeking a quiet place to breathe. 

One of the most unique aspects of The Chapel’s mission is their commitment to strengthening marriages. Their vision extends far beyond the wedding day, with plans for marriage coaching, small groups, workshops, and eventually retreats designed to equip couples with support, tools, and authentic conversations. For them, ministry is not a moment—it is a journey walked together. 

Restoring a 150-year-old chapel, however, came with no shortage of challenges. Weather delays, unexpected construction issues, and the emotional ups and downs of such an enormous undertaking tested their resolve. But through prayer, persistence, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and the community, they pressed forward. All of that effort culminated in their November 20 ribbon cutting, where guests enjoyed music, refreshments, and the first full look at the restored chapel. While the celebration was a milestone, the most emotional moment for Justin and Maria came the first time they saw the pews filled again after twelve years of silence—a moment that brought tears and affirmed the purpose behind every challenge. 

As they look toward the future, Justin and Maria envision The Chapel at Rippon Village continuing to grow into a place where worship, marriage, and community thrive together. They hope to expand their marriage ministry, offer more events, and continue improving the space so it can serve the community for generations. When asked to describe the chapel in three words, they chose historic, sacred, and welcoming—three qualities that reflect both the building’s past and the spirit they hope to carry forward. Their favorite details within the chapel reflect that same heart: the stained-glass windows that glow with reminders of God’s faithfulness and the quiet prayer room where the presence of God feels especially nearby. 

For those who want to stay connected, the Souders invite the community to join them for Sunday worship, follow their journey online, come out to future events, and keep the chapel in their prayers. “This place is for the community,” they share, “and we’re grateful for every person who chooses to be part of it.”