An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Search

Renovations shine new light on Soldiers Chapel

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Army Support Activity-Dix leadership held a Rededication Ceremony for Soldiers Chapel Oct. 12 to celebrate the completion of the chapel's year-long renovations.

Col. Patrick Slowey, ASA-Dix commander; Chaplain (Col.) Timothy Wagoner, joint base installation chaplain; Chaplain (Col.) Kenneth Beale, ASA-Dix command chaplain; and Chaplin (Col.) Thomas Brouillard, former ASA-Dix command chaplain, joined together to cut the ribbon officially unveiling the newly-renovated chapel.

The chapel underwent renovations to the exterior, interior and structure, totaling $350,000. The process began more than a year ago after the chapel's condition was documented.

"I was tasked with photographing the interior, exterior and structural condition of Soldiers Chapel," said Master Sgt. Lorenzia Henderson, ASA-Dix NCO in charge. "The photographs were used by Chaplain Brouillard in support of his request for funding to renovate the chapel."

The documented photos were displayed at the rededication ceremony for community members to see how much the chapel has improved over the past year.

Brouillard started ordering materials and working with contractors on the overall design changes for the chapel once the requested funds were approved.

"My primary role in the chapel's renovation process consisted of designing and ordering materials," said Brouillard. "I PCS'd half-way through the renovation process, so coming here today and seeing the finished project was amazing."

Beale took over as the ASA-Dix command chaplain and as the project manager of the chapel's renovations. He said his job was to make sure the project didn't miss a beat and was completed with as much care as it was started with.

"Where Brouillard had the opportunity to bake the cake, I had the opportunity to put the icing on it," said Beale. "Today was also an opportunity for me to cut the cake and celebrate with the joint-base community in the very heart of mobilization and demobilization country."

The Soldiers Chapel is primarily used to facilitate deploying and redeploying servicemembers with spiritual services. The strategically-positioned church puts it within walking distance of servicemember's barracks.

"We have personnel from all services performing mobilization and demobilization training here, so a newly-renovated chapel within walking distance is awesome," said Wagoner. "Our next goal is to provide Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coastguardsmen with evening and weekend access to the chapel."

Renovations to the chapel's exterior included: a power wash, new sidewalks, new parking lot and handicap accessible ramps and automatic doors were installed. The interior renovations included: a fresh coat of paint, new furniture for sanctuary, installation of drop ceiling, pews and railings varnished as well a brand new lighting system.

"As I documented the chapel's condition a year ago, I found it to be dull and depressing," said Henderson. "With the completion of the renovations I can truly say it's like someone turned a light on to a new facility."

Ceremony coordinators displayed Henderson's photos so community members could see the transformation of the chapel over the past year. Coordinators also provided light refreshments and cookies to attendees following the ceremony.