Fort Sill in Comanche County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Post Chapel
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
1. Post Chapel Marker
Inscription.
Post Chapel. . The "Old" Post Chapel was constructed in 1875 by elements of the 11th Infantry and the 4th Cavalry under the command of General Ranald S. McKenzie. The sum of $2,500 was appropriated for the purchase of materials for the erection of a chapel and school house., Built of native limestone and local timbers, this little outpost of Christianity was the first structure of the post visible to weary travelers coming in by stage from the distant settlements in the eastern states., Captain Jeremiah Porter was the first to hold services in the chapel on Christmas Eve, 1875. By January 1876, he requested a bell to announce services across the post. This bell apparently disappeared many years ago and the present bell was installed in December 1930., Father Isadore, noted Catholic priest who founded the mission at Anadarko, and Reverend Frank Wright, son of the Choctaw Indian who named Oklahoma, both conducted services in the chapel from time to time., School was also held in this building for the children of the post. The teachers were usually Sergeants paid at the rate of fifty cents per day for their efforts. Children of the officers, as well as of the Indian women who sometimes worked in the family quarters, all attended school in the little chapel., Parties were frequently held in the chapel also. The services were scarcely over sometimes when the benches were pushed aside and the dance would begin. Masquerade balls were occasionally held with men and women donning the attire of the opposite sex., In 1930, the old stone latrines behind the family quarters were torn down and the stone used to construct a vestry on the north side of the building. During the same time other changes were made to the building interior including new benches, railings and ceiling fans., In its setting of quiet beauty, the little chapel remains as a hallowed symbol of the place that religion has held in the lives of the military personnel of this nation.
The "Old" Post Chapel was constructed in 1875 by elements of the 11th Infantry and the 4th Cavalry under the command of General Ranald S. McKenzie. The sum of $2,500 was appropriated for the purchase of materials for the erection of a chapel & school house.
Built of native limestone and local timbers, this little outpost of Christianity was the first structure of the post visible to weary travelers coming in by stage from the distant settlements in the eastern states.
Captain Jeremiah Porter was the first to hold services in the chapel on Christmas Eve, 1875. By January 1876, he requested a bell to announce services across the post. This bell apparently disappeared many years ago and the present bell was installed in December 1930.
Father Isadore, noted Catholic priest who founded the mission at Anadarko, and Reverend Frank Wright, son of the Choctaw Indian who named Oklahoma, both conducted services in the chapel from time to time.
School was also held in this building for the children of the post. The teachers were usually Sergeants paid at the rate of fifty cents per day for their efforts. Children of the officers, as well as of the Indian women who sometimes worked in the family quarters, all attended school in the little chapel.
Parties were frequently held in the chapel also.
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The services were scarcely over sometimes when the benches were pushed aside and the dance would begin. Masquerade balls were occasionally held with men and women donning the attire of the opposite sex.
In 1930, the old stone latrines behind the family quarters were torn down and the stone used to construct a vestry on the north side of the building. During the same time other changes were made to the building interior including new benches, railings and ceiling fans.
In its setting of quiet beauty, the little chapel remains as a hallowed symbol of the place that religion has held in the lives of the military personnel of this nation.
Location. 34° 40.295′ N, 98° 23.079′ W. Marker is in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in Comanche County. Marker is at the intersection of Ganahl Road and Back Access Road, on the left when traveling north on Ganahl Road. Marker and chapel are located at the northeast corner of the Old Post historical area of Fort Sill. Note that Fort Sill is an active military installation and appropriate identification is required for entry. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Sill OK 73503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker.
More about this marker. On the bottom is a photograph with the caption, "The Post Chapel was also used for a schoolhouse during the week. Children pose in front of the chapel about 1896."
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
3. Post Chapel interior
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
4. Stained glass detail
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
5. Dwight E Aultman
one of several memorial plaques, probably installed during the 1930 renovation, on the walls of the chapel. This one, erected by the Fort Sill Masonic Club, is "In memory of Dwight E. Aultman, Brigadier General, United States Army, 1872-1929"
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
6. Daniel F. Craig
One of several memorial plaques, probably installed during the 1930 renovation, on the walls of the chapel. This one, erected by the Fort Sill Masonic Club, is "In memory of Daniel F. Craig, Brigadier General United States Army 1875-1929".
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
7. George LeRoy Irwin
One of several memorial plaques, probably installed during the 1930 renovation, on the walls of the chapel. This one, erected by "Friends", is "In memory of George Leroy Irwin Major General United States Army 1868-1931". General Irwin is the namesake of today's Fort Irwin, located near Barstow, California.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, July 14, 2011
8. I-See-O
To the memory of the last of the Indian Scouts I-See-O Sergeant U.S. Army Loyal to his own race and to the arms of his country 1851-1927 Erected by Garrison Friends and by the Lawton Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 886 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on September 14, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.