JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Airmen and chapel volunteers celebrated a “Grand Re-Opening” at the Joint Base Chapel annual picnic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, serious questions were asked about the viability of certain chapel services and programs. On Sunday, the Joint Base Chapel community hoped to put those questions to rest.
“There were some fears when I arrived on station that we might close one of our services,” said Joint Base Senior Chaplain (Lt. Col) Zachary Nash. “Our chapel staff is committed to pursuing what our Chief of Chaplains recently reinforced to the Chaplain Corps that religious services will continue to be a robust part of chapel ministry without neglecting our duty to serve in the units.”
With nearly 30 volunteers, and over 200 participants, the Roman Catholic and Protestant services joined together in solidarity and renewed commitment to religious expression on the Joint Base.
“We’re taking care of Airmen the same way we did back in my day,” said Dave Ferguson (CMSgt Ret.) who will turn 90 years old in January. “We offer a little bit of home and a place to worship here on base.”
While the Navy Weapons Station and Air Base Wing Chapels have conducted in person services since COVID restrictions were lifted, this event was the first opportunity to gather as one community across the Joint Base.
See below for service times, Chapel hours, and more information.
Air Base (AB) Chapel: 107 Arthur Dr.
AB Chapel Walk-In Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 0900-1500
Fridays closed for Training
AB Chapel Phone:
Comm: (843) 963-4673 (HOPE)
DSN: (312) 673-HOPE
NOTE: For after duty hours emergencies, call the Command Post at (843) 963-8400.
Naval Weapons Stations (NWS) Chapel: 707 Chapel Drive
NWS Chapel Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
NWS Chapel Phone:
Comm: (843) 794-7222
DSN: (312) 794-7222
NOTE: For after duty hours emergencies, call the Command Post at (843) 963-8400.
CATHOLIC SERVICES:
Parish Priest:
Father Gildardo Garcia
Masses:
Sunday at 9:00 a.m., AB Chapel
Sunday at 11:30 a.m., NWS Chapel
Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., AB Chapel
Thursday at 11:30 a.m., NWS Chapel
PROTESTANT SERVICES:
Services:
Sunday @ 1000, NWS Chapel
Christ our Hope Protestant, Sunday @ 1100, AB Chapel (with children programs)
FUEL Ministry For Airmen, by Airmen: for information, contact the Chapel
BAPTISMS/WEDDINGS/CHRISTENINGS:
By Appointment Only - AB Chapel, call (843) 963-4673 (HOPE); NWS Chapel, call (843) 794-7222