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Photos by Theresa Doyle Nelson
July 10, 2025
A place of calm in the midst of tragedy
By Theresa Doyle Nelson
The Bandera Prophet
It has been a horrible stretch of days, watching our Hill Country neighbors and their guests endure such wretched calamity. It's hard to know what to do; most have an urge to pitch in, to help search through the debris, to bring food, to bring supplies, to somehow ease the overwhelming grief.
But, it's hard to know. Some assert that the Kerrville area is overrun with help, and that donations are piling up too quickly and getting increasingly difficult to organize (Texans are indeed generous people!). Other sites offer forms to fill out if you'd like to volunteer or donate in a more formalized way. Reading the allegations online makes it all worse; the darkness becomes darker.
Although many have halted their summer merriment, and Bandera's special summer of the "Smithsonian on Main" might feel less appealing, there is one particular place listed on the Smithsonian brochure that might ease your soul. It may be that perfect time to visit/revisit Polly's Chapel.
Though not exactly on “Main Street,” Polly's Chapel is not far away. Just eight minutes from the intersection of Hwy. 16 and Privilege Creek Road, Polly's Chapel offers a place of peace, where you can hear birds chirp, leaves rustle, and let your heart settle. It offers a moment to rest, decompress, contemplate, leave a note of hope in the guestbook, and maybe sent some comforting thoughts.
Polly's Chapel, 359 Polly's Chapel Road, Pipe Creek
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One way to assist:
Texas Community Recovery
tcr.community’s.org
But, it's hard to know. Some assert that the Kerrville area is overrun with help, and that donations are piling up too quickly and getting increasingly difficult to organize (Texans are indeed generous people!). Other sites offer forms to fill out if you'd like to volunteer or donate in a more formalized way. Reading the allegations online makes it all worse; the darkness becomes darker.
Although many have halted their summer merriment, and Bandera's special summer of the "Smithsonian on Main" might feel less appealing, there is one particular place listed on the Smithsonian brochure that might ease your soul. It may be that perfect time to visit/revisit Polly's Chapel.
Though not exactly on “Main Street,” Polly's Chapel is not far away. Just eight minutes from the intersection of Hwy. 16 and Privilege Creek Road, Polly's Chapel offers a place of peace, where you can hear birds chirp, leaves rustle, and let your heart settle. It offers a moment to rest, decompress, contemplate, leave a note of hope in the guestbook, and maybe sent some comforting thoughts.
Polly's Chapel, 359 Polly's Chapel Road, Pipe Creek
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One way to assist:
Texas Community Recovery
tcr.community’s.org