Above and between these figures is a marble dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Superimposed on the mural and depicting the Annunciation are two 10-foot marble figures, Blessed Virgin Mary on the left, and Archangel Gabriel on the right. An abstract glass mosaic mural, the reredos is comprised of varying shades of blue, turquoise, rose and gray tessera, to form a portrayal of the firmament. The focal point of the Catholic Chapel is the reredos behind the altar. The largest pipe is 32 feet high and the smallest is pencil size. and built by the M.P Moller Co., the organ has 83 ranks and 67 stops controlling 4,334 pipes. Designed by Walter Holtkamp of the Holtkamp Organ Co. Perched in the choir loft above the narthex and reaching the uppermost heights of the chapel, is the classical pipe organ. The backs of the pews are capped by a strip of aluminum similar to the leading edge of a fighter aircraft wing. They are sculptured so the end of each pew resembles a World War I aircraft propeller. The pews, which can seat 1,200, are made of American walnut and African mahogany. Each kneeler contains different designs of the cross or Christian symbols as they appear throughout Christian history. Surrounding the curved steps of the altar are 12 kneelers done in needle-point made by officers wives' clubs throughout the Air Force. Constructed of aluminum, the cross is 46 feet, 2 inches high 12 feet wide and weighs 1,200 pounds. The focal point of the chancel is the cross above it. Four travertine marble legs support the table. Semi-precious stones from Colorado and pietra santa marble from Italy cover its 1,260 square-foot area.Ī sleek 15-foot marble slab, formed in the shape of a ship symbolizing the church, is the holy table, or altar. The 14-by-45 foot reredos represents the arms of God ready to receive anyone who goes there in prayer. The chancel is set off by a crescent-shaped, varicolored reredos behind the altar. The colors graduate from dark to light, representing coming from the darkness into the light of God. Stained glass windows form ribbons of color between the tetrahedrons. The tetrahedrons form the walls and the 99-foot pinnacled ceiling of the Protestant Chapel. of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Chicago. The principal designer and architect of the chapel was Walter A. A designated Easter offering was taken at Air Force bases around the world in 1959 to help fund the complete of the chapel's interior. The furnishings, pipe organs, liturgical fittings and adornments of the chapel were presented as gifts from individuals and various organizations. The shell of the chapel and surrounding grounds cost $3.5 million to build. The changes did not alter the basic design or the interior square footage of the chapel. There is no significance to this number original designs were too expensive and changes were made, including a reduction in spires. The aluminum, glass and steel chapel features 17 spires. Each chapel has its own entrance, allowing services to take place simultaneously without interference. Beneath this level is located a large all-faiths room and two meeting rooms. Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist services take place beneath it. There are two main levels, with the Protestant nave on the upper level. It contains a separate chapel for Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist faiths, and two all-faiths' worship rooms. Soaring 150 feet toward the Colorado sky, the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy Chapel is an all-faith house of worship designed to meet the spiritual needs of cadets and staff. The Air Force Academy will continue meeting the diverse religious and spiritual needs of cadets, staff and families. Religious service held at the chapel will be moved to other locations including the Community Center. However, discovery to the extent of asbestos has pushed the expected completion to 2027. Editor's note: A four-year renovation project on the Cadet Chapel began in late 2019 and was expected to close the chapel until 2023.
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