Chapels and Churches
THRIVING AT FORT MONROE
When the Army left Fort Monroe, many wondered what would become of the Chapel of the Centurion, which has held services since 1858. The answer is that the Chapel is thriving. The membership has established a not-for-profit organization that leases the property from the Fort Monroe Authority.
The Chapel offers two services on Sundays, one for Episcopalians and another that is non-denominational. Weekly attendance is around 100. “We are blessed,” said Chuck Valliant, a trustee of the church. “It is one step at a time, figuring out how to do things.”
Valliant said the Army has helped the congregation through the transition by leaving many of the furnishings. “If you were to walk into the chapel today, and had been there five years ago, it looks the same. The spirit of the Lord is there.”
Comments
As a former resident of Fort Monroe (1978 graduate of Phoebus High School) and participant in many chapel activities, I am very happy to hear that the Chapel of the Centurion has been preserved and is thriving! I have a beloved photo of the chapel from some years ago that hangs on the wall of my home. (resident 1972 – 78)
As I was stationed at Ft Monroe in 1972 and had my daughter baptized here and had the misfortune of attending fun real services of one of my subordinates at the chapel I am so glad to see that it is thriving and being so well preserved. Thank you.