"Oyster Sellers at Fort Monroe in the 1880's

These sturdy street merchants have paused a moment on Bernard Road. In left background is the Chapel of the Centurion. To right is the Lincoln Gun, since moved to a different location"

 

 

THE CHAPEL OF THE CENTURION

Welcome to the Army's oldest wooden structure in continuous use for religious services. The Chapel is named after the Roman Centurion, Cornelius, who was brought to Christianity by Peter.

Religious services at Fort Monroe began on a regular basis in 1825 when the Reverend Mark Chevers came to the fort. He was the rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Hampton. For several years he came to Fort Monroe on alternate Sundays to various quarters for services. 1 December 1838, he became the Post Chaplain and continued that assignment until his death, 13 September 1875, having served the garrison over fifty years. A small chapel in the Chapel Center is named in honor of Chaplain Chevers.

22 June 1855, an explosion in the mixing room of the laboratory in the arsenal at the fort killed Francis M. McKnight and Henry Sheffis, two artificers working with Lieutenant Julian McAllister. McAllister's thankfulness for God's sparing his life resulted in the construction of the chapel.

Through the personal efforts of Lieutenant McAllister and his Commander, Captain Alexander B. Dyer, $6,000.00 was donated for the construction of the chapel. Richard Upjohn, noted architect, designed the building [HN1] and construction began in 1856. Bishop John Johns from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia consecrated the chapel 3 May 1858.

Chaplain Osgood Herrick succeeded Chaplain Mark Chevers in 1875. During the last ten years of Chaplain Herrick's assignment as the Post Chaplain, various stained glass windows and chancel furnishings were installed and dedicated to the glory of God in memory of loved ones who had been stationed at the fort. When Chaplain Herrick departed in 1890, gifts of windows and furnishings continued through Chaplain George Dunbar's tour as Post Chaplain, 1903-1911.

A fire occurred in the chapel on 27 April 1933, during the funeral of a sergeant who had earlier told the Post Chaplain, "If I went to church— the chapel would burn up." The casket had been brought into the chapel when fire was noticed burning at the top of the roof above the organ. The casket was placed on the porch of the quarters opposite the chapel entrance since the caisson and driver had departed across the parade field as the members of the congregation left the building. The funeral service resumed after the fire was extinguished. The chapel congregation participated in a great centennial celebration in 1958. Several stained glass windows were designed and dedicated at that time. Since 1958 the final placement of stained glass windows in the nave and narthex have been completed. [In 1976 the Narthex stained-glass windows were the last to be installed in the Chapel.]

In April 1968 a major restoration was begun under the able hand of the Post Engineer, Colonel Stanford Polonsky. The building was raised allowing a brick foundation to be built and a heating and air conditioning system to be installed. The needle point cushions were completed during 1973-77. The present pews are the fourth set to be used in the chapel. The pews which replaced the original pine benches in 1880 were removed in 1966. The oak pews installed in 1981 are crafted after the ones installed in 1880. The unique intertwining of the lives of those remembered in the furnishings of the chapel add a dimension of history at Fort Monroe unparalleled in most Army installations. In 1970, Mrs. Paul Erickson began the fascinating collection of data concerning the windows and furnishings in the chapel. Through her tenacious efforts in writing and talking to family members of those memorialized, a rich tapestry was formed of the meeting of artist and soldier.

THE WINDOWS


Photo:Chaplain David Scharff, 2008

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Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 F2

"Cornelius the Centurion" 1880 - Acts 10 The center window over the altar was given in memory of Brevet Major General William F. Barry, Father of the Artillery School, the first service school of the Army. He served as the Commandant 1867-1877. The window was designed by E. Barnard, crafted by Redding Baird Co., Boston, Massachusetts. One of the unique features of the window is the jeweled glass near the top. The window reads, "I have fought the good fight. The plaque reads "In Memoriam Bvt Maj Genl William F. Barry, Died July 17, 1789".

"Blessed Mother and Child" 1929 - Proverbs 31:28 To the right of the center window given in memory of Fannie Luscombe Easterbrook, by her husband, shortly after her death from typhus at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. Additional windows in memory of Mrs. Easterbrook are in the chapels at Walter Reed General Hospital and Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. The 1st plaque reads "her childen shall rise up and call her blessed Prov 31:28". The second plaque reads, "In Memoriam Fanny Luscombe Easterbrook Wife of Chaplain Edmund P. Easterbrook U.S. Army Born Dec 10, 1864 Died: June 26, 1929

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 F3

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 F1

"Good Shepherd" 1933 - II Timothy 4:7 To the left of the center window given in memory of Chaplain (Colonel) Edmund Easterbrook by his five children; Arthur, Gladys (Mrs. J. Lawton Collins), Wilfred, William, and Ernest (Major General). Chaplain Easterbrook developed the General Protestant Worship format while stationed here. He served as Chief of Chaplains in 1928-29. The 1st Plaque reads "I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. II Tim 4:17". The second plaque reads, "In Memoriam: Col. Edmund P. Easterbrook, Chief of Chaplains U.S. Army Born: Dec 2?, 186? Died: Jan 1?, 19??

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 FR1

"Lamb of God" 1955 "Word of God" 1956 These two windows on the side wall of the sanctuary were crafted by R. Geissler, New York, prior to the chapel centennial. The Altar Guild provided funds for the "Lamb of God" window and the youth fellowship group of the chapel purchased the other window.

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 FR2

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(The Nave windows will be described from front to rear starting on the Eagle side of the chapel.)

"Crown of Life" After 1906 - Mark 14:9 and Revelation 2:106 (originally on the right side near the balcony) In memory of Mary Hammond Ware, born at Ft. Monroe in 1865 and died here in 1906. During her years at Ft. Monroe she was a devoted chapel member where she taught a Sunday School Class, played the organ, sang in the choir, and was president of the Ladies' Auxiliary. Her father was Superintendent of Construction for the batteries and harbor defense. He was originally the post blacksmith. Mr. Ware cut the shackles from Jefferson Davis before Davis was moved from his cell in the casemate to Carroll Hall (no longer standing). Her brother, Captain S. H. Ware supervised the building of fortifications at Pearl Harbor. Originally the window had the proper middle initial, "H," after the fire of 1933, the craftsman identified the letter as "A." The Crown of Life Window reads "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L1

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L2

"Ionic Corinthian Column" c. 1880 In memory of Brevet Brigadier General C. H. Morgan, served at Ft. Monroe 1857-59 and became the Superintendent of Practical Artillery here from 1869 to 1871. He died on Alcatraz Island in California in December 1875. The window was given by "Engineer Roebling and various officers of the Second Army Corps." The Corinthian Column Window reads "In Memory of Bvt Brig Genl C H Morgan, Major, 4th Artillery Died Dec 2? 1875

"Woman With Palm" c. 1890 Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co.* In memory of Helen Fargo Squires, who was married in the chapel, 11 October 1881, and died at Ft. Monroe in 1886. Her husband, Lieutenant Herbert G. Squires, had received his commission by referral of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Lieutenant Squires fought at Wounded Knee. The Adjutant General of the Army said, "There is not probably a young officer in service who has been more indulged on his personal requests than has Lieutenant Squires. He has not shown one particle of military spirit but rather the reverse." He left military service in 1891 to join the diplomatic service and served in Peking during the Boxer rebellion. (Additional comments about Helen Squires will be found elsewhere in this booklet.) The window reads "In Memoriam Helen Fargo Squires Daughter of W M C Fargo Wife of Lieut Herbert G Squires USA Born Dec 3 1857 Died Jan 17 1886

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L3

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L4

"Per Mare, Per Terras" c. 1890 - Psalm 132:3-6 and St. Luke- 7:5 Tiffany Glass & Decorating Co. In memory of Colonel Julian McAllister who served at Ft. Monroe from May 1853 until August 1857. He had graduated first in the Class of 1847 at West Point. After leaving here in 1857 he served at posts in New York and California. Julian McAllister probably never saw the completed chapel he had so generously contributed toward building. (Additional comments about Julian McAllister will be found elsewhere in this booklet.) The window reads Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood. Prov cxxxii "For he hath loved our nation and hath built us a synagogue. St. Luke vii Colonel J McAllister, Born Oct 19, 18?? Died Jan ?? 1887.

"He Died So the Kids Next Door Might Live" 1952 - R. Geissler, Inc., New York In memory of First Lieutenant Robert L. Williams, Jr., the first service person from the Peninsula to be killed in the Korean Conflict. He was piloting an Artillery Observation airplane for the 99th Field Artillery Battalion. The window was given by his wife and his mother. The window reads "He Died So the Kids Next Door Might Live" In Memory of First Lieutenant Robert L. Williams Jr. Born Feb 26, 1924 Died in Korea Aug 4 1950

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L5

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L6

"Peace Window" 1958 - R. Geissler, Inc., New York The window was designed by Mrs. P. E. Winn and Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs, Commander, US Army Hospital, Ft. Monroe, for the Chapel Centennial. The patches are those of the six armies, at that time part of the Continental Army Command. The flags were those of 1858 and 1958. The Civil War soldier is copied from a tintype of Colonel Jacob's grandfather, who served here in the Civil War as a member of the New York Heavy Artillery. He was present at Appomattox when General Robert E. Lee surrendered. The names of those who contributed to the window's purchase are listed on the wall plaque. The window reads "Continental Command Chapel Centennial 1858 - 1958"

"St. Paul Defender of the Faith" 1966 - J. & R. Lamb Studios, Tenafly, New Jersey In memory of Colonel Perry M. Smith who served as a student here in 1922-23 and 1929-30. He commanded Battery Parrott from 1937 to 1939. The window was given by his children, then Captain Perry M. Smith, Jr., USAF and Mrs. R. A. Barber (presently a member of the congregation). The window reads " "The Sword of the Spirit" "Duty Honor Country" "Col Perry McCoy Smith GAC USMA 1922 (with a line through it) Born 1900 Died 1955" "

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L7

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L8

"St. Michael" 1964 J. & R. Lamb Studios Tenafly, New Jersey In memory of Major General Frederick Harrison Smith who served here in 1906-08 and 1920-24. He commanded the Coast Artillery District here in 1938 to 1940. His wife gave the window (she was instrumental in having the Crepe Myrtle trees planted throughout the post). The window reads " "In Memory of Frederick Harrison Smith" "Major General" "United States Army" "Born 1879 Died 1961" "USMA Class of 1903" "

"Little Children" 1969 - Rudy Glass Co., York, Pennsylvania This window was given by the Church School members at the conclusion of the chapel restoration.

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R9

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

"Power for Peace" 1958 George Payne, Inc., Patterson, New Jersey The window was designed by Colonel Eugene C. Jacobs for the members and friends of the 56th Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's "Power for Peace" slogan was the theme for the window.

"Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant" ESSAYONS (Let us try) c. 1880 (Earlier ?) In memory of Colonel Rene Edward De Russy, Superintendent of Engineering Construction here from 1838 to 1854. He served 57 years on continuous active duty as an officer after graduating from West Point in 1812. Ft. De Russy in Hawaii was named for him. The window reads "Essayons Rene Edward DeRussy Colonel of Engineers Born Feb 27, 1789 Cadet USMA March 20, 1807, Died Nov 23, 1865 58 Years of Service Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant" "

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R1

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R2

"St. Alban" c. 1890 In memory of Brevet Major General Emory Upton, the "boy wonder" of the Civil War. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant when he graduated from West Point in 1861, Upton successively commanded a battery of artillery, infantry regiment, infantry brigade, artillery brigade, and finally a division of cavalry. He was breveted to Brigadier General in 1864. Upton's troops captured Little Round Top at Gettysburg. At age 28 he was the Commandant of the US Military Academy. General Sherman sent him with two other officers around the world to study the armies of Europe and Asia. Upton's book The Military Policy of the United States was a penetrating look at our military policies and forces. He served as the Director of Artillery Tactics in the Artillery School here from 1877 to 1880. At age 42 he committed suicide while suffering from an incurable disease. The window reads "In Memory of Brevt Major General Emory Upton, Colonel 4th Artillery " "

"The Armor of God" 1879 In memory of Brevet Captain Albion Howe by his wife, Sarah McKnight Barry (daughter of Major General William F. Barry). Captain Howe was killed at Lava Beds, California, while fighting Modoc Indians. The window is one of the two oldest stained glass windows in the chapel. It is an example of enameled glass of the John Bolton school. The window reads "Faith Unto Death, In Mormoriam, ?? Capt 4th Arty ?? of 1869" "

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R3

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R4

"Sheaf of Wheat" 1879 In memory of Caroline Matilda Barry, mother of Major General William F. Barry. The window is a companion of the Howe Window. The second of the two oldest windows in the Nave. The window reads, "In Memoriam Caroline Matilda Barry ?? 1871 "

"Taps" 1958 - R. Geissler, New York For the Centennial Celebration, Colonel Eugene Jacobs designed this window to commemorate the first playing of "Taps" for the burial of a soldier at Harrison Landing (present site of Berkley Plantation near Williamsburg on the James River). Brevet Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield, commanded the 3rd Brigade of Infantry, was an exponent of bugle calls. He was not satisfied with the final call of the day known as "Lights Out." Around 4 July 1862 he called the brigade bugler, Oliver W. Norton, to his tent and showed him some notes he had written on the back of an envelope. After getting it properly arranged, Norton was directed to play it that night. Several days later a soldier died in Captain John C. Tidball's Battery A. Rather than fire the customary three rifle volleys to honor the dead soldier, Captain Tidball instructed Oliver Norton to play "Taps." The custom of playing "Taps" at a military funeral had begun in a unit of soldiers from this fort. The picture from which the window is crafted shows a drummer boy standing beside the bugler, the grandson of the drummer boy later purchased the Berkley Plantation. (Additional remarks on Daniel Butterfield will be found elsewhere in this booklet). The window reads, "Taps 1862"

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R4

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R6

"One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" 1965 - R. Geissler, New York In memory of Chaplain (Colonel) Luther Evans who had served at Ft. Monroe from 1956 to 1961 as the Staff Chaplain, Continental Army Command. The window was given by his wife and had been designed by Colonel Eugene Jacobs. The window reads, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism In Memory of Luther W. Evans Chaplain Colonel US Army 1904-1969" and has the shield of the Chaplain Corps Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

"Forbid Them Not" 1911 - Tiffany Studios, New York In memory of Helen Brown Kimberly Gifford, installed by her husband Major John H. Gifford. Her father had owned one of two department stores which stood near the present Post Office. The Giffords were married in the chapel in April 1885. The window is one of the finest examples of Tiffany's use of drapery glass and lead cams working together to create the folds of the garments. The window is probably one of the last of this size that Mr. Tiffany personally worked on. The window reads, "In Momoriam Helen:Kimberly:Gilford wife of John H. Gilford July 20 1906"

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R7

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R8

"Angel Gabriel" 1965 - J. & R. Lamb, Tenafly, New Jersey In memory of David and Minnie French and Paul and Mary Clark, parents of Colonel and Mrs. Paul Clark, Jr. Colonel Clark had served in the Continental Army Command at Ft. Monroe from 1946 to 1959 and 1953 to 1960.

"Nehemiah" 1969 - Rudy Glass Co., York, Pennsylvania To commemorate the chapel renovation, the rebuilding of the temple by Nehemiah was symbolic of the work accomplished to refurbish this lovely chapel. Note the drain pipe running from the narthex roof in the picture of the chapel in the window. Such pipes were used to fill the large cistern at the chapel around 1885-1890. Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 R9

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 L9

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

"St. Peter" 1970 - J. & R. Lamb, Tenafly, New Jersey In memory of Brigadier General Urban Niblo given by his wife and daughter. General Niblo served at Ft. Monroe as the Ordnance Officer of the Army Field Forces in 1956-57. Peter had brought Cornelius to Christ and after all the other windows had been given, one bearing his name was finally placed in the Nave.

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 ER

"Narthex Windows" 1976 - Old Dominion Stained Glass Co. The only stained glass windows in the chapel crafted in Virginia were given in memory of 40,000 American soldiers who gave their lives in Southeast Asia from 1960-1973. The windows were given by Major General and Mrs. S. L. McClellan, Major General and Mrs. Robert Kingston, Captain J. M. McClellan, First Lieutenant Karen McClellan, and Sergeant First Class and Mrs. William L. Mosher. The window reads, "United States Army Vietman 1960-1973 In Honor of Those Who Served and Died Under US Colors in Southeast Asia" The Green Beret window has says" Wearing the Green Beret, and the motto with shield De Opresso Libre"

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006 EL

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

Old Narthex Window

Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006
Exterior

"Balcony Exterior Windows"

These windows are above the Narthex and visible only from the Exterior of the Church

Chevers Organ
Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

The Chevers Memorial Organ
1983

The rebuilt Moeller organ - Series 80, Opus R-140 was dedicated on 4 February 1983, Cornelius the Centurion Day, as a memorial to the Reverend Mark Lindsay Chevers, the first Post Chaplain at Fort Monroe. The organ was designed and built by M. P. Moller Pipe Organ Company, Inc. It is equally expressive for quiet meditation and soaring exaltation. Placed in the balcony of the chapel, the organ has an advantageous position from which to speak. The electro-pneumatic organ consists of two manuals and pedal comprising three divisions, namely Great, Swell (under expression) and Pedal. It contains 13 ranks (sets of pipes) for a total of 845 individual pipes. The pipes are constructed of. metal, an alloy of tin and lead, and of wood. The exposed casework and organ console are made of oak. The facade pipes are purely decorative.

FOUR DECADES

1829 The man who designed the chapel arrived in America - Richard Upjohn. Robert E. Lee graduated number two in his West Point Class. At Fort Monroe an old outhouse was torn down- it had stood where the present steps to the sacristy are located.

1839 Emory Upton was born in Genesee County (near Buffalo) New York.

During the 1840's Julian McAllister and John Tidball graduated from West Point. Daniel Butterfield (of Buffalo, New York) graduated from Utica Academy, New York. Louis Comfort Tiffany was born.

1850's Three men from Buffalo, merged their companies to form American Express Company. The men were John Butterfield, father of Daniel Butterfield; Henry Wells, who later founded a bank with one of the partners and William George Fargo, whose daughter Helen married the Canadian, Herbert Squires. Woodrow Wilson was born in 1856 at Staunton, Virginia, later as President he often worshipped in the chapel. J. & R. Lamb Stained Glass Studio was founded in 1857. John Tidball's Artillery supported Robert E. Lee's troops in the raid at Harper's Ferry to capture John Brown. The artillery schools had opened at Ft. Monroe in 1858.

1860's Daniel Butterfield led the first Union forces into Virginia. Eugene Jacobs was a member of the New York Heavy Artillery posted at Fort Monroe to form part of the Army of the Potomac. Young Louis Tiffany was a member of the 5th New York Regiment known as Duryee's Zouaves. The 5th engaged enemy forces at nearby Big Bethel (present source of water for the post). John Tidball's artillery supported Daniel Butterfield's troops in the battle of Richmond.

From these decades in this chapel the children of two of the founders of an Express Company have windows almost opposite one another. A young Eugene Jacobs is depicted in a window commemorating the Chapel Centennial-- he had served with an artillery unit supporting Daniel Butterfield's 7th Regiment of New York. Louis Tiffany first became known for his design and glass used in decorating the 7th Regimental Armory in New York City. J. & R. Lamb Studios has crafted four of the windows in the chapel, Tiffany did three of the windows.

In 1968 when the chapel was renovated- fresh water was found- thirty feet from the outhouse destroyed in 1829. [HN2]

THE FLAGS

(starting on the Eagle side, described front to rear)

Fifty Star - Current National Colors 56th AAA Missile Battalion - Given in 1958

Forty-six Star - Issued in 1907 when Oklahoma was admitted to the Union.

Coast Defense of Chesapeake Bay - Issued in 1920, placed in the chapel in 1925.

Second Coast Artillery - Issued upon the units reorganization in Panama in 1923. Placed in the chapel when the unit returned to Fort Monroe in the 1930's.

Forty-five Star - Issued in 1896 - carried by the Seventh Artillery. Artillery School - Issued prior to separation of artillery in 1907 into coastal and field branches.

Christian Flag - Standard Chapel Flag

Second Regiment of the Artillery - Colors used in the Civil War by the unit. Thirty-four Star - Carried by the Second Artillery during the Civil War.

Continental Army Command (Now Forces Command at Ft. Monroe February 1955 to 30 June 1973.

Forty-nine Stars - Authorized from July 1959 to July 1960. Training and Doctrine Command - Fashioned after the original school's training

Command flag of the 1920's.

Second Coast Artillery Regiment - For many years the garrison regiment at Ft. Monroe.

Forty-eight Star - Last used in 1959. Sixth Artillery Regiment - Following the Spanish-American War, the unit was redesignated Coastal Artillery.

Sixth Provisional Coast Artillery Regiment - Used on the Mexican border in 1911.

Forty-four Star - Used by the third Artillery prior to 1896. Seventh Coast Artillery Regiment - Prior to and during World War II this regiment was garrisoned at Ft. Hancock, New York.

Forty-eight Star - Last used in 1959.

Christian Church Flag

CHAPEL FURNISHINGS


Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006



Altar Cross

In memory of Katherine M. Barry who died in 1879, her husband was Major General William F. Barry.


Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

Credence Table

In memory of John Butler McAllister, who died in 1850. He was the infant son of Lieutenant Julian and Mrs. McAllister.

Altar Missal Stand

A gift of the Coast Artillery School.


Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

Receiving Alms Basin

In memory of Mary Townsend Derby who died in 1893. Her father was the Lighthouse Engineer at the post from 1857 to 1859.


Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

Prie-Dieus

1. In memory of Elizabeth McAllister who died in 1862 as the result of burns from curtains near a candle. She was the wife of Julian McAllister.

2. In memory of Franck Eveleigh Taylor Davis who died c. 1884-85. The prie-dieu was given by her sister Charlotte who was the wife of Admiral Robert D. ("Fighting Bob") Evans. Admiral Evans' ship fired the first shot in Santiago in the Spanish American War. In 1907 he led the great White Fleet from Hampton Roads around the world.

3. At the Chapel Centennial the Altar Guild gave one in 1958.


Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006

4. The desk in front of the crucifer's chair was given in memory of Suzanne Gibbs Starry who died in 1961 and an infant daughter (who died in 1967) of Paul and Emily Starry. General Donn A. Starry crafted this desk in 1981 from oak grown at Fort Monroe.

Alms Basins

Given by LTC and Mrs. Paul Q. Erickson, RET in 1964

 

Needle Point

St. Barbara's Guild undertook the project in September 1973. Mrs. Charles L. Bolte designed the various cushions and instructed the members in carrying out the theme of the live oak leaf with acorns on the blue background with Christian symbols. The needle point was dedicated upon completion in May 1977,


The following are memorialized:

COL Clarence Talmage Marsh
MG William Frederick Hase
Harry and Laura Hall
Ada Novak
Willis Kohl
Flora Coughran
MG Archibald Henry Sunderland
Hollis and Viola Baker
Margaret Miley
John and Mildred Kronau
Wilmot Jacobs
Herbert and Willie Murray
Adelaide Bolte


Pulpit Lecturn
Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006




Baptismal Font
Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006




Eagle Lecturn
Photo by Ch. David Scharff 2006




Click to expand
"This is a poem that we had on the back of our Chapel of the Centurion Booklet--
the caligraphy was done by hand by a former organist"

POST CHAPLAINS OF FORT MONROE

 

1828-1878 Mark L. Chevers

1875-1890 Osgood E. Herrick

1891-1899 Charles W. Freeland

1902-1904 Thomas S. Barry

1903-1911 George Ward Dunbar

1909 Charles S. Walkley

1909-1913 William Reese Scott

1913-1918 Alfred A. Pruden

1918-1922 Walter Marvin

1921-1923 Samuel J. Smith

1923-1927 Edmund P. Easterbrook

1927-1930 James L. McBride

1930-1933 Ivan L. Bennett

1933-1935 Nathaniel A. Jones

1935-1940 J. Knox Bodel

1940-1942 George H. Daum

1942-1943 Edward J. Tanski

1943-1944 Dennis P. Coleman

1944-1946 Raymond E. Brock

1946-1947 Edward N. Mize

1947-1948 Raymond C. Sutherland, Jr.

1943-1944 Walter H. Bierck

1948-1950

1950-1952 Wilber K. Anderson

1953-1956 Harmon D. Moore

1956-1959 Arthur E. Mills

1959-1962 William C. Taggert, Jr.

1962-1964 George H. Birney

1964-1965 Charles L. Trinkle

1965-1967 Harry G. Campbell, Jr.

1967-1968 Stephen E. Peterson

1968-1969 Arthur H. Marsh

1969-1972 Pat H. Davis

1972-1976 Clinton Helton

1976-1980 Howard T. Cross

1980-1983 Richard W. Mansur

1983-1985 Everett H. Greene

1985- Thomas L. Deal

1989-1992 Richard H. Holley

1992-1994 Joseph E. Miller

1994-1996 Arthur F. Jensen

1996-1997 James E. Rayburn

1997-2000 James L. Schnorrenberg

2000-2003 C. David Reese

2003-2005 Wilbert C. Harrison

2005-Present Stephen E. Feehan

FINIS

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Editor's Comments

Welcome to a "Chapel of the Centurion" site. Some of the photos shown above, and description of the Chapel, came from a Chapel Booklet that our family was presented by the Chapel family upon leaving Fort Monroe. Chaplain David Scharff, shown above at his office in the Chapel Center, has been pivotal in developing this site, and has provided the FM Pam, many photos of windows and furnishings, as well as the past Chaplains, and suggestions on layout. My thanks to Chaplain Scharff, Mrs. Lamb, and the entire Chapel staff for their kind support, editorial assistance, and updated information.

The Chapel of the Centurion is my "home church." I became a Christian at Fort Monroe, and had a conversion experience in this chapel the first time I entered it. I was baptized by the Post Chaplain, Chaplain Tom Deal in 1987, and my wife and two children were baptized by the Episcopal Chaplain William E. Paulson. This is where I began serving the Lord. I reviewed a Certificate of Appreciation recently: and see that I held these support positions in the Chapel: Sunday School Teacher, Home Bible Study Leader, Fund Council Member, Vice President- Men of the Chapel, Last Supper Cast Member, Volunteer Helper for Vacation Bible School, Usher, Lay Reader, Leader of the Chapel Prayer Breakfast. My wife and children were baptized in a service with the Episcopal Congregation as I assisted. Just before I was reassigned, my wife and I had our marriage blessed by Chaplain Paulson in an Episcopal Prayer Book Service here. Several months after reassignment, we returned for confirmation. I was called away in an emergency in our family, but my wife and daughter, along with some close friends, were confirmed by the Bishop of Virginia. In 2004 I returned again. The Post Chaplain graciously allowed me to participate in yet one more ceremony, and I was ordained by the Most Reverend Curtis Bradley, a fellow Centurion, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

On St. Michael the Militant Archangel's Day, 2003, I founded the Order of Centurions in part based upon on the blessings our family received through the Chapel, and dedicated the Order to the Centurions of the New Testament. A picture of the Cornelius Window has been on the Order's web site front page since I activated it that St. Michael's Day. Fort Monroe will soon be demilitarized, but the city of Hampton intends to allow the Episcopal Congregation to continue its worship there and use it for other services. I bid your prayers for this little Chapel, that it may continue to serve Christ as it was intended and sanctified so to do.

I always give thanks for this little Chapel, and for the friends that worshipped there.

time Deum et operare iustitiam.

Mark

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  REQUEST A CD OF THIS SITE

Anyone who would like a copy of this site on CD may contact the the Editor. We suggest a gift to the Chapel Fund in thanksgiving. Donations received by the Order in thanksgiving in excess of the CD blank and mailing costs will be donated to the the Fort Monroe Chapel Fund in the name of the Order of Centurions, annually on or about the Commemoration of the Chapel Dedication, 3 May 1856.

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Historical Notes
Thanks to all those who have contributed to the historical facts about the Chapel. You may submit information to the Editor at the Order of Centurions for consideration to include historical and biographical/obituaries on person named on this site.

¹ The Chapel of the Centurion was built based on a pattern from Richard Upjohn's 1852 book, Upjohn's Rural Architecture: Designs, Working Drawings and Specifications for a Wooden Church, and Other Rural Structures. Upjohn did not specifically design the Chapel of the Centurion for Fort Monroe. Hampton University has a copy of Upjohn's book in its library, although it is currently checked out, because someone is preparing a National Register nomination for Saint Peter's Episcopal Church (now known as Saint James Holiness Church of Christ Disciples), in Norfolk, another Upjohn pattern book church. [Pam Schenian, email, 7/2/08, Virginia Department of Historic Resources.]

² Regarding the 1968 discovery of fresh water, which this story was always told to me as proof of the existence of an artisian well (which makes no sense geologically), when they were installing the geothermal system for the quarters closest to the Chapel of the Centurion, the backhoe uncovered a brick wall. Then the backhoe breached the wall and the trench rapidly filled with water. Checking historic maps, I determined that the wall was part of the 20,000 gallon cistern for the pre-1880s fire station, which had been behind the chapel. It fills up with rainwater, and apparently got breached during the 1968 renovations, as well. [Pam Schenian, email, 7/2/08, Virginia Department of Historic Resources.]

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Obituaries and Personal Histories

Chaplain Charles Trinkle
Chaplain (Col.) Charles Leonard Trinkle, age 86, of Johnson City died on Tuesday, December 11, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Born on July 23, 1921, in Scottsburg, IN, he was the son of the late O.A. and Minnie Trinkle. He is survived by a sister, Harriet Baker, of Indianapolis, IN; sons: David (Audrey) Trinkle, of Grafton, VA, Stephen (Dee) Trinkle, of Jonesborough, Philip Trinkle, of Ann Arbor, MI; daughters: Becky (Hal) Atwell, of State College, PA, Debbie (Dallas) Easler, of Chapin, SC, and Marty (Ron) Cormier, of Munroe Falls, OH. Memorials - Cincinnati Christian University for the Charles L. Trinkle Memorial Scholarship. Condolences -www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to (423) 610-7177. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604. (423) 610-7171.
Harold and Tribune, Jonestown, Virginia.