The Naval Academy Chapel

In the late 1960s my husband was assigned duty as Communications Officer for the Naval Academy. It was two years of the best living experience our family ever had.

I was privileged to be a part of the Garden Club who arranged flowers for Sunday services at the chapel. At Christmas time my husband and I attended a performance of "The Messiah" by the Academy Choir and nearby Hunter College.

Years later, on a visit back to Annapolis, Maryland, I took this picture of the magnificent Chapel.

another view

I hope you will find the following chapel facts of interest to you.

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The cornerstone was laid in 1904 by Admiral George Dewey.

The Chapel was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

The dome is copper, which had been plastered over for decades because of deterioration. During restoration in 2009 that magnificent dome was uncovered and restored.

photo from wikipedia

Until 1972 chapel attendance was compulsory for the Midshipmen.

Beneath the chapel lies the crypt of John Paul Jones inside a sarcophagus made of 19 tons of Grand Pyreness marble. 

photo from internet 

I hope if you are ever in the area, you will take the time to visit one of our most beautiful chapels. 

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Verse I from The Navy Hymn

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep

It's own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

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