Army Chapel Celebrates Hawaiian Queen’s Support of Christianity

Revealing a fascinating bit of history, the Soldier’s Chapel on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, recently celebrated the birthday of Queen Liliuokalani, the last Hawaiian monarch to rule before it was annexed by the United States in the closing years of the 19th century.

What was the Queen’s connection to the chapel?

In 1913, she raised money for the construction of Soldiers Chapel on Schofield Barracks. It was the first church on the post…

“In my personal opinion, there is evidence of the Holy Spirit in her life, transforming her into a person of grace and forgiveness,” [Chaplain (Col.) Steve Peck] said. “It let her maintain her dignity as a person and a Christian.”

While many modern chapels are neutered of religious references, historic chapels remain boldly evident for the religious support they were intended to provide.  The century-old Soldier’s Chapel is adorned with a Celtic Cross and a stained glass depiction of a soldier kneeling with his M-16.