White Rock Chapel of Addison, Inc

About

The roots of White Rock Chapel of Addison trace back to enslaved families who gathered for worship along White Rock Creek. After Emancipation in 1865, these families continued meeting for prayer in the freedman’s community of Upper White Rock.

In 1884, after nearly twenty years of saving and sacrifice, five families pooled their resources to purchase property along the creek. The act displayed a fierce spirit for reconciliation as the families bought the land from a former slave owner, working to build off their shared faith.  

The congregation first gathered beneath a simple brush arbor before building a log church that became the spiritual and social anchor of the Upper White Rock community. 

In 1918, devastating floods forced the congregation to relocate to higher ground, on what is known today as Celestial Road. A local White landowner donated land for a new church and parsonage, worshiping alongside the congregation during an era largely defined by segregation and Jim Crow.

For more than a century, while enduring storms, racial tensions, fire, legal battles, and rapid development, White Rock Chapel has remained an anchor of faith, reconciliation, and perseverance in North Texas. We invite you to explore the story of White Rock Chapel, honor the generations who built it, and join us in preserving this sacred legacy for the future.

White Rock Chapel of Addison congregation
In this undated photograph, the congregation poses in front of their church at 5555 Celestial Road.  In 1884 they had built their first church of logs on land they purchased near the banks of White Rock Creek.

Mission

Building on the remarkable legacy of its founders, White Rock Chapel of Addison is dedicated to continuing their spirit of faith, perseverance, and community while promoting racial reconciliation, mutual understanding, and unity among all people.

White Rock Chapel of Addison is a private, nonprofit cultural and spiritual gathering place recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.

White Rock Chapel of Addison in 2020

Preserving Our History, Inspiring Our Future

White Rock Chapel of Addison has a rich history rooted in faith, community, education, and racial reconciliation.

Our mission extends beyond preserving a historic building. We are committed to honoring the chapel’s legacy as a place that brings people together, encourages understanding, and celebrates the important role it has played in our community.

Restoration & Preservation

Our ongoing restoration and preservation efforts are focused on protecting this historic landmark and ensuring that future generations can experience its history and significance.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we continue working toward our $500,000 restoration fundraising goal.

Cultural & Educational Programs

White Rock Chapel’s vision includes providing opportunities for cultural enrichment, historical education, community engagement, and meaningful conversations that promote understanding and reconciliation.

As restoration efforts progress, we look forward to exploring ways to bring people together through educational and community-centered programming.

Help Preserve White Rock Chapel

Your support makes a difference. Every contribution helps advance our restoration and preservation efforts while protecting the chapel’s legacy for future generations.

Support Our Restoration Efforts — Donate Today

Support The White Rock Chapel of Addison, Inc

Help Us Reach Our Restoration Goal.

Help The White Rock Chapel of Addison, Inc by donating today! All donations go directly to making a difference for our cause. To honor Christ through relationship and racial reconciliation.

$249,677 Raised

Restoration Fundraising Progress
49.9%

$249,677 raised toward our $500,000 restoration goal.

Includes online and offline donations. Updated November 2026.