The chapel was built in 1996 by staff and students of the Eagleton School, using trees felled by the devastating Great Barrington tornado of 1995. This tornado claimed the lives of two students, Christopher Bilodeau and Vinson Verble, along with staffer Leslie Elson, prompting the construction of the chapel as anmemorial to their memory.

After the Eagleton School closed in 2016, the property fell into disrepair. In 2021, we saw the property listed for sale and despite its neglected state-overgrown with trees, shrubs, and poison ivy, filled with scrap metal and junk, and in dire need of a new roof—we were intrigued. Located less than 600 feet from an Appalachian Trail crossing, just two hours from our home, we immediately saw its potential and embarked on a journey to restore it. By 2022, we began cleaning and landscaping, with significant renovations following, including a new roof and electrical installation by 2023.

The chapel quickly became a hub for 'Trail Magic' and hiker feed events, where hikers are provided with free food, shelter, and supplies. Encouraged by the positive response from hikers and recognizing the increasing costs due to rising food prices, we launched a GoFundMe campaign in June 2023. Thanks to the generosity of donors, we were able to host six Trail Magic weekends that year, in which we fed and sheltered over 200 hikers, and provide porta-potties

onsite from June to October. Today, the Memorial Chapel AT Great Barrington stands not only as a tribute to those who lost their lives but also as a beacon of generosity and support for Appalachian Trail hikers. It's a labor of love for us, ensuring that the chapel continues to serve as a place

of refuge and community along