Historic Navy chapel becomes living classroom

Charleston Regional Business Journal
Staff
March 9, 2009

Eleven graduate students are working to restore a Navy chapel at the Clemson University Restoration Institute in a joint program offered by Clemson University and the College of Charleston.

The students will prepare a structural report and feasibility study of the Eternal Father of the Sea chapel during the semester-long assignment at the Restoration Institute.

The goal is to understand the chapel’s historical significance, identify problems with deterioration and structural deficiencies, and develop an economically feasible rehabilitation plan for the building, instructor Jeremy Wells said.

Students will document the chapel’s history and catalog its defining features, Wells said. Then they will consider preservation and design changes for the building’s possible future use, which could include its return as a chapel, a different use or demolition.

“Any environmentally conscious plan must address the reuse of our existing buildings in a way that emphasizes sustainability of the resource,” Wells said in a statement. “Unlike many historical objects, most buildings must have an economically sustainable use in order to justify their existence.”

The Eternal Father chapel was built during World War II as a place of worship for military personnel, government workers and their families and others. Countless services, weddings and other events were held at the chapel until the U.S. Navy left the base in the late 1990s.

Extensive termite damage and structural wear and tear threatened the chapel’s existence until North Charleston stepped in and spent more than $140,000 to repair the support structure and make other improvements in June 2007. The chapel is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, but it must be formally nominated.

“I really enjoy having the opportunity to help brainstorm new ideas for the future use of the Navy chapel,” said Kate Stamps, a student working on the chapel project. “It makes me feel as though I am helping with the revitalization of an entire community, not just the building.”

Back To The Top