Friendship is forever

Photo By Staff Sgt. Destinee Sweeney | Friendship Chapel, also known as Chapel Two, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., circa 1980. Friendship Chapel was built in 1941, designed with standard U.S. Army specifications of the time. (Courtesy photo)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

12.02.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney 

20th Fighter Wing

On a cold winter night, people stand around a holiday tree in anticipation. A chaplain stands among them, offering his services to those of all faiths and sharing words of wisdom with the crowd. After a countdown, a child flips a switch to turn on the lights, making the tree glow with décor, and the audience cheers.

A celebration for all Team Shaw members, the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy each other’s company and kickoff the upcoming holiday season.

Although the ceremony is fairly new, the hallowed ground on which it will take place is anything but.

A single building has stood tall through the test of time, dividing the flow of traffic but uniting people. Since 1941, the structure has offered a place of support and relief, where Team Shaw members could congregate.

The first chapel structure at Shaw Field, Friendship Chapel was sited with the original Base Headquarters building on Division Drive, now known as Shaw Drive. With more than 3,300 sq. ft. of space, Friendship Chapel is the oldest building on base.

“Throughout our history, religious buildings on military installations have brought a sense of community to those stationed there,” said Christopher Koonce, 20th Fighter Wing historian. “It has always been a place where individuals of all ranks and positions could meet others and worship.”

Originally a 200-seat “semi-permanent” wooden structure, the chapel was designed to meet Shaw Field’s needs during World War II. When the “permanent” Chapel One structure, known today as Palmetto Chapel, was built in 1957, Friendship Chapel was designated as Chapel Two.

“‘Semi-permanent’ meant its designer recognized that the building wasn't as rigid or heavily constructed as a permanent building,” said Robert Sexton, 20th Fighter Wing community relations manager. “In 1941, construction was exploding on new military installations across the country, and expedient designs and methods were being used to keep costs down and allow easy disposal after the end of the upcoming war.”

As the years have passed, Shaw AFB has experienced changes in mission, aircraft and service members, but Friendship Chapel seems removed from time. The old steps leading to the open doors still welcome Team Shaw members for religious services, weddings and celebrations.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2016
• Date Posted: 12.05.2016 13:53
• Story ID: 216450
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US