Over the years, the Odell Pioneer Cemetery and Ebenezer Chapel have been the subject of numerous urban legends and myths. Several publications have even listed the site among Oregon’s “Most Haunted Places.” But does the Odell family believe the cemetery is haunted? No, we do not. However, we understand the allure and mystery that such a historic site holds.

A remote, wooded pioneer cemetery is the perfect setting for folklore to take root, and the Odell Cemetery is no exception. After the last burial in 1941, the cemetery and chapel were largely abandoned. The Methodist Church had long since forgotten it still owned the cemetery until the Odell family brought it to their attention in 2005. Meanwhile, the owner of the adjacent land claimed ownership of the cemetery but showed no interest in maintaining or protecting it. Once a cleared plot, the cemetery was overtaken by the surrounding forest. The chapel became covered in ivy and brush and, at one point, was even reportedly to have been used to house livestock and hay.

Restoration Efforts and Ownership Dispute

In 2005, the Odell family began efforts to legally regain possession of the cemetery and chapel to preserve and maintain the site. However, a 1916 recording error by Yamhill County has left ownership in dispute. Until this issue is resolved, the Odell family faces restrictions on the level of restoration and upkeep they can undertake.

Despite these challenges, the Odell family continues to hold annual cleanup sessions to keep the forest at bay and preserve the remaining headstones. Although the cemetery and chapel may appear abandoned, they most certainly are not.

The History of Ebenezer Chapel and the Surrounding Area

The neighborhood surrounding the cemetery and chapel was once called Ebenezer by early pioneers, a name that reflected faith in God. It was only fitting that the chapel bore the same name. As the local population shifted, the chapel was decommissioned by the Methodist Church in 1870. Over time, the area known as Ebenezer became part of a larger neighborhood called Webfoot, named for the large number of waterfowl that resided there.

The Legend of Ebenezer

There are multiple myths and urban legends surrounding the Odell Pioneer Cemetery and Ebenezer Chapel; perhaps the most prolific legend is that of the crazed preacher named “Ebenezer”, for whom the chapel is supposedly named. According to the legend, “Preacher Ebenezer” was a polygamist cult leader with seven wives. One night, in a fit of rage, the legend states that he brutally murdered his thirteen children ranging from 9 months to 13 years old, and burned their bodies in the fireplace of the chapel.

This is, of course, completely false.

The story behind the name of the chapel is, sadly, a bit less colorful. The name of the chapel has nothing to do with a crazed preacher; it instead originates from the Bible. The biblical definition of the word Ebenezer means “stone of help”. And, while naming a chapel Ebenezer may seem strange to some, it is by no means uncommon. Many, many chapels throughout the world share the name.

The neighborhood surrounding the cemetery and chapel was actually named “Ebenezer” during the time of the early pioneers – a name which referred to a person’s faith in god. Fitting, then, that the chapel would also be named Ebenezer. As the center of the population moved, the chapel was decommissioned by the Methodist Church in 1870. The area, once known as Ebenezer, was enveloped by a larger neighborhood dubbed “Webfoot” due to the large number of water fowl who also resided in the area.

Keith Simons, biblical scholar, explains the meaning of Ebenezer:

1 Samuel 7:12

“Israel’s men had just gained success in a battle against the army of Philistia. They did not win that battle by their own efforts. They won because God fought for them. He sent a powerful storm, with the result that the enemy’s army ran away. The results of that one battle were very impressive. For more than 20 years, Philistia’s powerful army had controlled Israel. Now, Israel was a free country.

Samuel wanted Israel’s people always to remember what God had done for them. So, Samuel made a monument. A monument is a large stone that people put in an important place, to remind them of a past event.

Samuel called that monument EBENEZER. That means, ‘stone of help’. Its purpose was to remind Israel’s people that, in the past, God had helped them. Especially, he helped them in their battle against Philistia’s army.

Although a monument reminds people about the past, its message is really for people in the future. Samuel intended that his monument should remain in that place for many centuries. Whenever people passed it, they would remember its name EBENEZER. They would know that God had rescued his people in that place. If they trusted God now, he would help them too. So, the monument encouraged people to trust God. Its message for the future was that God really does help his people.

It does not surprise us that many churches have also chosen the name EBENEZER. Their members wanted to express thanks to God that he had helped them in the past. So, when they built a church building, they called it by that name. They too wanted to encourage people in the future to trust God. In that place where God had helped them, he would help other people too.”

(Simons, 2014) 

In addition, “Preacher Ebenezer” never existed. In fact, there was never a stationed preacher at the chapel. The area was so sparsely populated that each congregation was served by a “circuit preacher” (also referred to as ‘saddlebag preacher’ or ‘circuit rider’). These preachers traveled from church to church on horseback in order to serve more than one rural congregation at a time. The Ebenezer Chapel was part of the Dayton-Spring Valley Circuit of the Methodist Church until 1870.

While the final burial in the cemetery dates to 1941, it is unlikely that the current cement chapel ever hosted regular church services. Its main function, it seems, was as a memorial to the founders of the Odell Pioneer Cemetery, John and Sarah Odell. The concrete chapel also held memorial services until as late as 1941. The newer concrete chapel shares the name of the original chapel, ‘EBENEZER’.

When the cemetery and chapel fell into disrepair, it became a draw to teenagers, thrill seekers, and other people with ill intentions. This, we believe, is when the legend of ‘Preacher Ebenezer’ was invented in the ways that all urban legends develop.

Other Urban Legends

The story of Preacher Ebenezer is not the only myth tied to the cemetery. Two other common urban legends persist:

1. The Ghost of a Young Man – One tale claims that a young man was killed in a car accident near the cemetery and now haunts the area. Despite thorough research, no documented accident matching this description has been found.

2. The Hanging of a Witch – Another widely told legend suggests that a witch was hanged outside the chapel, and her spirit now lingers in the area. There is absolutely no historical record of such an event occurring.

Are There Hauntings?

Whether or not one believes in the paranormal is a personal matter. We, as the Odell Family, respect that believers have a deep curiosity in the possibility of paranormal activity at the Odell Pioneer Cemetery, particularly considering that numerous publications have dubbed it as one of “Oregon’s Most Haunted Places.

It is not for us, as a family, to determine whether or not the rumors about the cemetery being haunted are true. We have not personally witnessed any form of paranormal activity, and have not seen any evidence from other sources that has convinced us that the cemetery is anything more than a quiet resting place for honest, devout, hard working pioneers who gave up everything to settle the frontier. 

Visiting Hours and Rules

The myths surrounding the Odell Pioneer Cemetery have attracted thrill-seekers over the years—some with destructive intentions. Unfortunately, acts of vandalism, damage, and theft have occurred. While most visitors come with good intentions to explore and appreciate this piece of Oregon history, the actions of a few have led to strict regulations.

To preserve and protect the cemetery, access is restricted to daylight hours only. The site is regularly patrolled and monitored by the Yamhill County Sheriff. As a registered Historic Pioneer Cemetery with the State of Oregon, it is protected under two Oregon State Statutes (ORS 166.075 & ORS 166.076). Anyone caught vandalizing, desecrating, or stealing from the cemetery will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Visitor Guidelines

To help us preserve this historic site, please follow these simple rules:

• Visiting hours: Dawn to dusk only.
• Stay on marked paths – Many graves are unmarked or have sunken, fragile ground that can be easily damaged. (Also, the area is covered in poison oak!)
• Entering the chapel is strictly forbidden.

The Odell family wishes to keep the cemetery open to the public. We simply ask that all visitors treat it with the respect and reverence it deserves. Please help us protect this small but important piece of Oregon history.