18 June 2016

Church Photo in Lieu of Attendance - Navy Chapel

Navy Chapel, North Charleston, SC   
This sight makes me so happy. I used to visit the old Navy Chapel on the Navy Base and watch as it fell into ruins. It was heartbreaking. The last time I was there at this time last year the spot was empty. I had heard it had been moved and reconstructed and tracked it down last weekend. What a beautiful job and setting! Thanks to Richard Mark's Restoration Inc. 

The Charleston City Paper has a good article on the project. 
The non-denominational Eternal Father of the Sea chapel has stood in the Navy Yard in North Charleston since 1942. In the chapel's early years during World War II, it was a place where Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish sailors and their families could enjoy services that reflected their faith. Sailors would also often get hitched in the chapel before they were sent off to war.
Original setting

8 comments:

Kate said...

You are a great researcher. I, too am glad that it has been restored.

William Kendall said...

That was well worth saving!

Anonymous said...

Oh how lovely, Joan! My son was baptized in a beautiful old stone non-denominational chapel on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD in the '70s and I've never forgotten its peace & quiet dignity.
"Fair winds and following seas" to all who had a hand in saving, restoring and moving this lovely, evocative building. And thank you.
Best,
Diane in Denver
Three generations Navy family
member
and a loyal reader of your Blog

Jack said...

Lovely. I am a bit surprised that the money to relocate and restore it was found.

Charlestonjoan said...

I am pleased as well. It is going to be a wonderful place for weddings, special services and events.

Charlestonjoan said...

I think so. I was going to take care of it when I won the lottery so I will need to think of another project. Heheh.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks Denise! A lot of people had similar sentimental feelings about this chapel as well.

Charlestonjoan said...

I am happy it was done. There are some other beautifully restored buildings on that old base and some that still need major repair.