United Church, The Chapel on the Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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United Church, The Chapel on the Hill
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Chapel on the Hill
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | Oak Ridge, Tennessee |
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| Area | 700-series U.S. Army chapel |
| Built | 1943 |
| Architect | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
| Part of | Oak Ridge Historic District |
| MPS | Oak Ridge MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001109 |
| Added to NRHP | September 05, 1991 |
The United Church, Chapel on the Hill is a special building in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It was the main church for the city during World War II. The chapel was officially opened on September 30, 1943. It was finished in October 1943. This chapel was unique because it was shared by different religious groups. Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish people all used it for their services.
Chapel Design: A Military Style
The building was designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is a "700-series" U.S. Army chapel. The chapel is made of wood and has a rectangular shape. It features a tall steeple with a bell tower. There is also a gable entry porch at the front.
This design was used for three Army chapels in Oak Ridge during World War II. One of these chapels, the West Chapel, was later taken down. However, the East Chapel is still used today.
History: A Chapel for Everyone
The U.S. Army built this chapel for religious activities. It was one of many buildings created for the new town of Oak Ridge. The dedication ceremony happened on September 30, 1943. Many religious leaders spoke at this event. These included a Jewish rabbi, a Catholic priest, and several Protestant ministers. The name "The Chapel on the Hill" came from a prayer given by a Baptist minister.
The United Church congregation started on July 18, 1943. About 25 to 30 Christians met for worship in a cafeteria in Oak Ridge. They wanted to create a church for all Protestant groups. This church would be led by regular members, called laypersons. A Presbyterian minister from Knoxville agreed to lead weekly services. About 150 people from 13 different Protestant groups joined. They became the first members of "the United Church." The leaders chosen by the members started their duties on October 24, 1943.
When the Chapel on the Hill was finished, the United Church and the local Roman Catholic Church took control of it. These were the only two official churches in the Manhattan Project community at the time. During the war, Oak Ridge's facilities ran all day and night. The chapel was also used almost 24 hours a day. People of different faiths used it for worship, weddings, and other events.
At its busiest, Oak Ridge had over 70,000 people. The United Church had four ministers. They held services at the Chapel on the Hill, the East Village Chapel, and the Jefferson Theater. They also had Sunday school classes in local schools and a trailer camp. By 1951, the United Church became one single interdenominational congregation. It made the Chapel on the Hill its permanent home.
The United Church congregation bought the chapel and about 3.72 acres of land. They bought it from the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission on May 11, 1955. The price was $17,116. An extra building for education was added between 1956 and 1957.
Today, the chapel still operates as a non-denominational Protestant church. It is led by laypersons and employs ministers from mainstream Protestant backgrounds. Since 2007, it has been connected with the Center for Progressive Christianity. The church's motto is: "Where People from All Denominations Meet in Their Differences, but Are One in Their Search for God."
The Chapel on the Hill was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. It is part of the Oak Ridge Historic District.
