Restoring a Legacy
For more than sixty years, the Sakanaga property—formerly known as Camp Marietta—has stood as a sacred landmark in the Upstate of South Carolina. Since the early 1960s, it has served as a spiritual home for generations who have gathered here to encounter God, grow in community, and be transformed by the Gospel.
Those who have walked these hills and worshiped beneath the tall Carolina pines often speak of the unique sense of peace and purpose that rests on this land. It has been a place where stories begin, faith deepens, and lifelong callings take shape.
At the center of this story stands the W.B. Simmons Chapel, a simple yet powerful structure that has, for decades, been the heartbeat of Sakanaga’s ministry. Within its walls, thousands have experienced life-changing moments with Christ—salvation, renewal, surrender, and commissioning. It has been a sacred space where songs of worship rose from humble hearts and where the Gospel took root in countless lives.
A Heritage Worth Stewarding
When OneLife assumed stewardship of the Sakanaga property, we recognized not just the opportunity, but the sacred responsibility we were stepping into. The legacy of this land and its chapel is profound—and we are deeply committed to honoring it.
Over time, the W.B. Simmons Chapel had fallen into disrepair. Weather, time, and seasons of dormancy had left their mark on the once vibrant space. But even as the building aged, its spiritual significance never diminished. The stories it held—the prayers whispered, the tears shed, the songs lifted—remained alive in the hearts of those who encountered God there.
That is why we have embarked on a complete restoration of the Chapel. This effort goes far beyond a construction project; it’s an act of renewal and remembrance. Our goal is not merely to restore a building but to revive a legacy of faith, ensuring that the next generation of students, families, and leaders can experience God’s presence in the same powerful ways that so many before them have.
A Vision for the Future
The restored W.B. Simmons Chapel will once again become a gathering place—where OneLife students worship together, study Scripture, and reflect on how to integrate their faith into every aspect of life. It will be a place of commissioning, sending young adults into the world grounded in truth and equipped for purpose.
In many ways, the restoration mirrors the heartbeat of OneLife itself: transformation. We are not just renovating a structure; we are reigniting a mission. Every beam, every window, every bench will stand as a testament to God’s faithfulness through generations and a reminder that His work here is not finished.
We envision this Chapel as a beacon of light—a place where faith is deepened, lives are redirected, and callings are clarified. As students worship within its walls, they will join a legacy of believers who have gone before them, carrying forward the same message of hope: that Jesus Christ changes everything.
Securing the Future of a Mission
In restoring the W.B. Simmons Chapel, we are not simply preserving history—we are securing the future of a mission, one rooted in the Great Commission itself. Our desire is that this Chapel will continue to be a place where disciples are made, leaders are formed, and lives are sent out in service to the Kingdom.
The story of Sakanaga is still being written. As OneLife students gather here—learning, growing, and living in community—the echoes of the past meet the promise of the future. The same Spirit that moved in the 1960s continues to move today, calling a new generation to know Him and make Him known.
We are deeply grateful for all who have invested in this work—through prayer, support, and partnership. Together, we are ensuring that the light of the Gospel continues to shine brightly from this sacred hill in the Upstate, transforming lives for decades to come.