Fairfax Chapel started a new chapter in its long history when the historic World War II facility reopened for church services Feb. 24, after a two-year rehabilitation project.
Contractors installed a new roof, new paint and a universally accessible restroom, among other items, to revitalize the building's interior and exterior. Chaplain (Col.) Philip Hill, garrison command chaplain and catholic priest, said Spanish and English Catholic Masses were the first groups to occupy the facility.
"They basically took a church that was falling down around itself and rebuilt it into something we now can use as a suitable worship space," Hill said. "The chapel has been restored to its World War II design."
Fairfax Chapel was one of more than 300 temporary wood buildings constructed at the onset of WWII in a response to Fort Belvoir's rapidly growing population of Soldiers.
The chapel was built using a standardized Army plan, which included a traditional rectangular form; German drop siding; a small, cupola-sized steeple; and very little detail work. This was mirrored on the inside of the chapel with a wood-beam, open-frame roof.
Architectures anticipated the Army demolishing the building, like the many other WWII wood buildings, once hostilities ended. However, Fairfax Chapel survived the many waves of temporary building demolitions across the installation and is one of only a few representations of the massive WWII build-up on Belvoir.
Originally identified as T-435, the chapel's name was officially changed to Fairfax Chapel in March 1968 in honor of the Fairfax family. The rehabilitation project, which started in January 2011, aimed to fix issues such as a termite infestation and a poor water system.
"They really rebuilt it from top to bottom," Hill said.
The rehabilitation project is not fully complete as contractors are currently installing telephone wiring, drapes and a sound system to bring the facility up to full strength. Hill doesn't have a time table for the renovation's completion date.
Despite the ongoing work, the chapel will continue to host services. Over the years, the chapel has accommodated the religious needs of Belvoir community members by providing space for Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services. Hill said the chapel will continue to host these services along with wedding ceremonies.
Barden Education Center and Thurman Lecture Hall served as locations for church services during Fairfax Chapel's rehabilitation.
"We are grateful to have had the space, but it's not a church," Hill said. "It's much more convenient to have a chapel for these kinds of services and people are grateful to be back."
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