Chapel dedication

Photo By Maj. Anthony Buchanan | BAQUBAH, Iraq (June 16, 2006) -- Delivering the message for the service marking the rededication of the Forward Operating Base Warhorse's newly renovated, chapel facility, Chaplain (Maj.) Jim Hartz challenges chapel goers to be "agents of change" on their base. (Photo by Spc. Lee Elder, 133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

BAQUBAH, IRAQ

07.18.2006

Story by Staff Sgt. Miles Elder 

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAQUBAH, Iraq (June 18, 2006) " Those attending the rededication service for the newly renovated chapel facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse were challenged by the FOB's chaplain to rededicate themselves as "agents of change for this FOB."

The service capped a year-long project that began under the FOB's previous occupants, the 3rd Infantry Division. The chapel's interior seating capacity doubled from 60 to 120. Addition modifications include a new roof, a new altar, new musical instruments, a new audiovisual sound system, expanded storage space, and office facilities for the 3rd HBCT chaplain staff.

"It's really more and more coming to be what is kind of standard for most folks that go to church," Hartz said. "They have a nice place to sit and be able to hear the music played where they can sing."

While praising the progress made on the new chapel facility, Chaplain (Maj.) Jim Hartz, chaplain for the FOB's current occupants, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers, reminded service goers that the new chapel "is just a building." It's what goes on the inside of the building that matters most.

"Church can happen anywhere," Hartz said, recalling the wide variety of places Army chaplains hold services ranging from on the hood of a truck to a vacant spot beneath camouflage netting.
Hartz, a Southern Baptist chaplain, based his message on an Old Testament text found in II Chronicles 7. The passage quotes King Solomon who challenged his countrymen to "humble themselves, pray, search for me and turn from their evil ways."

"It all starts when we humble ourselves," Hartz said. "It's about who we are when we leave these doors."

The service also featured hymns, responsive readings and a performance by the post's Gospel Choir. Soldiers and their chaplains participated in the program.

The chapel was finished in March and houses not only Christian services, but Jewish and Muslim services also. Before the renovation, religious services and activities were spread across several facilities on the FOB. With the exception of the Gospel Service, which meets at the Faulkenberg Theater, all of the services and activities are now consolidated into the newly renovated facility.

"Hopefully, it will be a place where Soldiers can come and find strength, hope and comfort and peace in the midst of this [Iraq]," Hartz said.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2006
• Date Posted: 07.18.2006 08:52
• Story ID: 7212
• Location: BAQUBAH, IQ