LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
After seven months of renovations and upgrades, the Bethel Manor Chapel will reopen its doors for worship services Sept. 5.
The renovations, which began during the latter part of January, included the removal of partitions and installation of permanent walls in the chapel's Fellowship Hall, fresh paint and improvements to the chapel's kitchen and restrooms. According to Chaplain (Capt.) Michael Hayhurst, 633d Air Base Wing chaplain, the improvements cost $150,000.
"We're thankful to see the work finished," he said. "The renovations will allow us to offer so much more for our community."
A look around the Fellowship Room revealed a spacious, bright white room, boasting new floors and an inviting openness. The arrangement of windows and white paint allows natural light to illuminate the room at peak daylight, conserving electricity, according to Chaplain Hayhurst.
"The room is much more welcoming now," he said. "Getting rid of the old partitions and painting over the dingy yellow paint made such a difference."
The chapel's children's activity room now has dedicated walls as opposed to temporary partitions, as well as a fully refinished bathroom, complete with child-safe amenities. The room is now within Air Force regulations for childcare, which in turn may bring in more families, according to Chaplain Hayhurst.
One of the most significant improvements to the chapel is in the kitchen, where an array of modern culinary equipment is now installed, giving the chapel staff the ability to prepare fresh meals for more people.
"In the past we would have to bring prepared food to the chapel to serve dinners," said Chaplain Hayhurst. "Now we can prepare the food on site, which saves us time and money."
According to Chaplain Hayhurst, the combined renovations could allow the chapel to serve up to 50 percent more visitors than in the past. With Langley's base housing currently under expansion, he hopes more families will have an opportunity to experience what the chapel offers.
"Our goal is to reach out and be available to everyone in the Air Force community. All these improvements are for them," he said. "We expect our attendance to increase, and we're looking forward to welcoming everyone back after the long break."
According to Chaplain Hayhurst, the sanctuary is the next priority for improvements to the chapel.
The chapel's Sunday services include Catholic masses at 8:30 a.m. and noon, and contemporary Protestant service at 10:15 a.m.