FORT SILL, Oklahoma (Nov. 4, 2019) -- Fort Sill's alternative to Halloween trick-or-treating, the Hallelujah Harvest, drew hundreds of families to the Frontier Chapel Center (FCC) Oct. 31, for two hours of fun, food, and fellowship.

The annual event was sponsored by FCC Gospel Service to allow members from the Lawton --Fort Sill community to observe the fall festivities as they honored their faith and God, said Chaplain (Capt.) Kristal McKoy, 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery. About 600 people were expected to the event which was free and open to the public.

"We're not only a community that worships together, but we are interested in uniting the community through the ties that bind us together," she said.

In rooms with biblical themes, such as Fishers of Men, The Narrow Walls, children enjoyed a variety of games including ball tosses, cake walks, hop-scotch, and golf putting. They earned participation tickets from each game, and could redeem them for prizes.

Participants were welcome to a complimentary meal consisting of hot dogs, chips, and punch. Of course there was Halloween candy. All food and prizes were provided by the Gospel Service through donations, McKoy said.

About 100 volunteers helped prepare and run the Hallelujah Harvest, McKoy said. "The volunteers are not only members of the Frontier Gospel Service, but also Soldiers from across Fort Sill who joined forces to make this happen."

Patrons were invited to write what they were thankful for on a paper leaf and hang it on a tree of thanks in the lobby of the FCC. Many people wrote that they were thankful for their families, and the people in their lives.

In the chapel, two chaplains (Capt.) Caleb Miller, 100th Brigade Support Battalion; and (1st Lt.) Philip Morlock, 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery, alternately gave sermonettes throughout the evening. Groups of children and parents listened to Bible teachings from them.