Summerall Chapel Explained

Summerall Chapel
Location:Charleston, South Carolina
Country:United States
Denomination:Non-denominational
Former Name:Cadet Chapel (1936–1953)
Status:Chapel
Functional Status:Active
Architect:C. R. MacDonald
Style:Gothic
Groundbreaking:September 7, 1936
Completed Date:April 10, 1938
Chaplain:Lt. Col. Aaron Meadows, USAF

Summerall Chapel is a cruciform chapel on the campus of The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Constructed from 1936 to 1938, the chapel serves the South Carolina Corps of Cadets and the broader Citadel and Charleston communities. The chapel is non-sectarian, but hosts Catholic, Protestant, and Episcopal worship services weekly during the academic year. Additionally, many special events, such as weddings and the annual Christmas Candlelight Service, are hosted in the chapel.[1]

It is located on the Avenue of Remembrance, directly across Summerall Field from Padgett-Thomas Barracks. It stands between Daniel Library and Mark Clark Hall.

Construction

The chapel, designed by C.R. MacDonald, was started on September 7, 1936 and dedicated on Palm Sunday, April 10, 1938. The first services, however, were held in the chapel on September 19, 1937.[2] The chapel was named in honor of Citadel president Gen. Charles Pelot Summerall.[3] A $1 million repair program was developed for the chapel in 1985.[4]

Decoration

Inside, there is a set of thirty stained glass windows designed by H.G. Wilbert depicting the life of Jesus Christ which were executed by the Pittsburgh Stained Glass Studios in the 13th century Gothic style.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: About Summerall Chapel. The Citadel. January 12, 2017.
  2. News: The Citadel Chapel . News & Courier . December 24, 1963 . April 24, 2014 . Charleston, South Carolina . 6.
  3. News: Chapel Is Named for Summerall . News & Courier . August 1, 1937 . April 24, 2014 . Charleston, South Carolina . 9-A.
  4. News: Citadel Officials Want To Upgrade Chapel . News & Courier . November 13, 1985 . April 24, 2014 . Nelson, Laura . Charleston, South Carolina . B1.
  5. News: Cadets' Summerall Chapel Joins Old And New Beauty . News & Courier . February 26, 1962 . April 24, 2014 . Charleston, South Carolina . 9-A.