Wherever a chaplain is assigned, in addition to his/her assigned duties, they are expected to also be involved in religious support to the garrison where they’re located. Often this means being part of one of the on-post worship services. This has been the case for me while in Yongsan, South Korea. I have been the pastor of the Traditional Protestant Congregation who worshiped at Memorial Chapel on Main Post, for the year that I’ve been in Korea.
The final group photo of the congregation taken on our last Sunday together as a congregation
I’ve mentioned before about the movement of U.S. forces from all over Korea to USAG Humphreys near Pyeongtek. This is beginning to impact religious support at USGA Yongsan as there are fewer chaplains to support the multiple worship services. Today (26 June 2016), this impact became real for the congregation I have been pastoring as we celebrated the final service of this congregation which has been active in Yongsan for over 25 years. Beginning next week, the attendees will begin attending one of the other remaining services on post.
Here are a few pictures of the final service and the fellowship brunch we enjoyed together at Greenstreet at Dragon Hill Lodge following the service.
Richard always opens our service with announcements and birthday/anniversary greetings.Passing the PeaceThe Scripture being read by one of the congregation members who has attended for 15 years.The choir is unbelievable. The choir director is a paid contractor who studied in the U.S. Many choir members come just to work with him.Dr. Rev. Lee studied in the U.S. and has been singing for the congregation for 10 years.Our musician (at the piano) is also a paid contractor. She’s great on both the piano and the organ.On this last Sunday, we celebrated Communion by Intinction.The Parish Advisory Council (PAC) gave a gift to some of the congregation who volunteered in different capacities.The mug the PAC gave chapel volunteers (and me).Angel first came to Korea to fight in the Korean War. Since he’s been back (near the beginning of the congregation over 25 years ago) he has been serving the congregation in many ways.
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After the service we went to one of the restaurants at the Dragon Hill Lodge on post (Greenstreet) and enjoyed the Brunch Buffet:
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This couple has been part of the congregation for about 15 years. They’re there nearly every Sunday!This couple has attended for about 10 years. The man was also a regular usher.
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The congregation gave me this plaque in appreciation for leading the congregation for the past year (I’ll replace the picture of the congregation with the one we took today).I had these bookmarks made for everyone in attendance at our final service.
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I was surprised at how much the congregation touched me in just a year. Here’s the “farewell” letter I put in the bulletin.
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Here are some other pictures of Memorial Chapel where the Traditional Protestant Congregation has worshiped for over 25 years:
Here’s an artist’s drawing of Memorial Chapel on USAG Yongsan
The front of Memorial Chapel on USAG Yongsan
Here’s a short video showing the sanctuary changing from Catholic to Protestant worship
Thanks for documenting Memorial Chapel. I served there as a Chaplain’s Assistant in 1973-1974. It’s also the place I met a young girl who later became my wife. We’re planning a trip back to Korea next year so I was surfing the internet, as I do from time to time, and found your blog. The interior of the chapel has changed a little since the 70s, but it is still very familiar to me. Blessings!
Chaplain News from the Front 
Thanks for documenting Memorial Chapel. I served there as a Chaplain’s Assistant in 1973-1974. It’s also the place I met a young girl who later became my wife. We’re planning a trip back to Korea next year so I was surfing the internet, as I do from time to time, and found your blog. The interior of the chapel has changed a little since the 70s, but it is still very familiar to me. Blessings!
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