An inscription greets visitors at the front of the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel. It reads: “To the Glory of God and in proud and loving memory of the men of the Merchant Marine who gave their lives for their country.” The Mariners’ Memorial Chapel stands as a testament to sacrifice and faith. It serves as a house of worship and a national memorial.
Completed in 1961 the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel honors Merchant Marine members. They sacrificed their lives at sea during World Wars I and II. This chapel reminds everyone of the sacrifices made. Merchant mariners often sailed into harm’s way especially during wartime.
The Mariners’ Memorial Chapel belongs to Merchant Mariners. It belongs to all Americans. It stands as one of the country’s National Memorials to America’s wartime seamen.
Note the cornerstone marked 1959. It signifies the beginning of the chapel’s construction. Eggers & Higgins designed the building. This architectural firm also designed the Lincoln Memorial. They also designed the National Gallery of Art.
Look up to see the steeple. The steeple contains a beacon visible for miles at night. This beacon symbolizes a guiding light. It guides mariners lost at sea. It reminds everyone that these mariners have not been forgotten. Atop the steeple sits a golden dome. A weathervane in the form of a full-rigged sailing ship sits there too.
Inside the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel the design remains simple. It serves as both a memorial and a place of worship. The main chapel features three smaller chapels in the basement. These are used for weekday worship. A Midshipman lounge and chapel offices are also in the basement.
Notice the interior’s blue paint. It imitates a clear sky and a calm sea. Colonial-style pews and stained glass windows adorn the chapel. The towering interfaith altar is perhaps the most impressive feature. This altar sits on an automatic turntable. Its three sides represent the three main faiths in the United States. These are Protestant Catholic and Jewish. Even the candleholders resemble fully rigged sailing ships.
To the altar’s left stands an octagonal pulpit. The American Seamen’s Friend Society donated it. A lectern stands to the right. The National Maritime Board of Great Britain gave this. Its wood comes from the deck of HMS Conway. HMS Conway was a British Merchant Navy training vessel.
The Roll of Honor Book resides within the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel. It is permanently housed in a brass and glass display case. It sits on Vermont marble in front of the altar. The book lists over 7000 names. These are officers and seamen who died on merchant ships during both World Wars. Recent research uncovered over 600 more names. These names are being added to a second volume.
Daily a selected Midshipman reports to the chapel. The Midshipman ceremoniously opens the case. They turn a page so that all mariners in the book are remembered.
Built without government aid the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel truly belongs to the American people. It cost $750000 to complete by 1961. Chaplains Danielsen Morril and Sullivan oversaw the building. Superintendent Vice Admiral Gordon McLintock USMS also helped. Remember the Mariners’ Memorial Chapel. Remember its history. Remember the brave mariners it honors.