by Patricia M. Lee

ne of the highlights of a trip to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, is a visit to the Navy Chapel. Designed by Earnest Flagg, the present chapel was started in 1904 and dedicated in 1908. An extension in the form of a Roman Cross, completed in 1940, was designed by Philippe Cret.

Keeping in step with our guide, a retired naval officer, I noticed we paced our gait to his and seemed to grow taller as we trudged up the long stairway to the front entrance. Two anchors, weighing 10,500 pounds, are mounted on each side of the front steps honoring the Navy’s first armored cruiser, the USS New York, flagship of Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, who served during the Spanish American War. Two immense bronze doors, a gift from the class of 1868, embellish the entrance. Above the doors, the motto: Non sibi, sed patriae (Not for self, but for Country) is displayed, as well as other figures and designs.

A warm feeling of pride and love embraced us as we departed.

Once inside, the visitor is met by many displays of memorials, artifacts, gifts and furnishings honoring those who dedicated their life to the Navy.

The Tiffany windows shine their colored lights and add to the décor, showing a single pew circled by a blue velvet cord, with one burning candle dedicated to the prisoners of war and those missing in action.

The huge window behind the main altar depicts Christ walking on water and above the window are the opening words of the Navy Hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save.” Traditionally it is sung at the end of every service.

Various other windows are dedicated to particular individuals. The Farragut Window reveals Admiral Farragut lashed to his flagship, U.S.S. Hartford, viewing the Battle of Mobile Bay.

The overhead dome exhibits 24 busts symbolizing the races of man and over the balcony is a large votive model of a 15th century Flemish carrack. It serves as a reminder that God protects those in peril from the sea.

One of the most interesting memorials, located downstairs, is a domed crypt containing the body of John Paul Jones. Flagg was a great admirer of the naval hero who served in the Revolutionary War. His words, “I have not yet begun to fight,” are legend. He died in obscurity. A search for his remains lasted one hundred thirteen years. Finally, General Horace Porter, U. S. Ambassador to France, discovered his grave in a cemetery in Paris and had Jones brought to the United States with a squadron of U. S. warships as honor guard. The sarcophagus of Pyrenees marble, an awesome sight to behold, was sculptured by Sylvain Salieres and donated by the French government.

The chapel provides a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere for midshipmen, their families and visitors to worship. It is the setting for weddings, graduations, baptisms, funerals and memorial services. Weddings are often celebrated at the end of graduation—not surprising, since midshipmen are not allowed to marry until after they get their commission. More than two hundred weddings take place yearly.

The chapel represents a lasting memorial of courage and valor of the men and women who served in the Naval forces of our country. A warm feeling of pride and love embraced us as we departed.

Return to: Current articles, Top, Home.