Lane Chapel Garden and Restrooms Dedication

In 1957, the Nan Roberts Lane Chapel was established on the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School campus, thanks to a donation from the Alabama Officers’ Club, DAR, and supporters, realizing the vision of Mrs. James Henry Lane, the organization's inaugural president. Made from local sandstone with a marble cornerstone and nameplate, this non-denominational chapel seats 150 people and now functions as a community venue for weddings, community services, and other school-related activities and gatherings.

Thanks to a generous donation from Elouise Click Junkins, a 1963 KDS alumna, the chapel's two restrooms were completely modernized with new tile, paint, fixtures, toilets, and partitions, transforming them into stunning, contemporary spaces. Additionally, Mrs. Junkins honored her mother, Nancy Elizabeth Campbell Click, an early KDS graduate, by funding the creation of a new outdoor garden at the chapel. The garden includes a stone patio with beautiful native plants, permanent seating, and an arbor for outdoor ceremonies and events. An irrigation system was installed to maintain the picturesque garden and chapel grounds throughout the year.

On Thursday, October 2, a special dedication ceremony was held at the Nan Roberts Lane Chapel to celebrate the completion of the extensive renovation of the chapel's restrooms and the newly constructed outdoor garden space. With a large crowd in attendance, Dr. John Junkins, Mrs. Junkins' husband, shared the couple's joy in providing these gifts to KDS and the Gunter Mountain community.

KDS appreciates the generosity and love Dr. and Mrs. Junkins have shown for KDS. Their contribution has enhanced the chapel's beauty and will ensure its ongoing usefulness to the Gunter Mountain community and beyond.