The grand opening of the Quantico Religious Activity and Community Service Center,June 20, included live music, free food, and the opportunity to become familiar with the facilities.
The grand opening of the Quantico Religious Activity and Community Service Center was held June 20. During the opening ceremony, Base Commander, Col. Charles Dallachie and Marine Corps Community Services director, Tom Loughlin cut the ribbon, to officially open the second portion of the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial Chapel.
‘‘The chapel was originally designed to have two wings, so there’s been 50 years of waiting for this new development,” said Headquarters and Service Battalion Chaplain Cmdr. Donald Cramblit, who also read the prayer of dedication.
According to Cramblit, there was a problem with the religious classes and workshops that had previously been held at Larson’s Gym. There was an obvious distance issue especially for those going from worship to classes.
‘‘This is a summer kickoff for people to get acquainted with the religious resources in the Quantico area,” said Capt. Lawrence Greenslit, command chaplain.
The celebration was held later in the afternoon, to give families and friends a chance to enjoy their Friday afternoon with a moon bounce for kids, a live rock band, hamburgers and soft drinks for all who attended.
The new building has chapel offices, a library, a nursery, classrooms, a kitchen, a reception area, and a prayer room. It will be home to many different activities for many different religions.
‘‘Having this annex will increase the fellowship opportunities on this base,” said Rick Hamme, a representative of the Officers’ Christian Fellowship program. ‘‘It’s a place to support each other.”
Chaplins around the base look forward to using the facilities, which were estimated to cost $4.7 million according to Navy Facilities Engineering Command.
‘‘It will help us expand our religious ministries program. It’s a multi-use building that will also house Marine Corps Community Service offices. It will be utilized seven days a week,” Cramblit said.
Cramblit hopes the over 13,000 square foot building will not just help MCCS but all the Marines and family members who choose to attend religious services offered by Quantico.
Lieutenant Commander. Kim Donahue, Protestant chapel pastor,, believes the religious program is a critical aspect in a Marine’s moral development. She also believes the building will help families come together, and people with the same issues will build support groups.
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