Construction notice:
The graveyard and sanctuary are closed to weekday visitors due to construction and renovations taking place as part of our Shine the Light capital campaign.
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Serving a Meal and Sharing the Gospel
Published September 30, 2025
The week started with news of potential hurricane force winds, and we believe from prayers from all across the SE United States, the Caribbean and other parts of the South Atlantic, the raging storms turned to the east and headed out to sea. Still, there was trepidation and uncertainty as to the likelihood of inclement weather with heavy rains predicted for the evening in preparation of serving a meal to the cadets at the Citadel. Over the weekend the spaghetti models began to change and a call was made by the chaplain to push on with our planned supper service for the cadets this past Monday, September 29.
We were blessed to have an outpouring of willing volunteers from St. Philip's Church sign up to come and help serve a meal in the alcove entrance to Summerall Chapel. Several weeks ago the chaplain had texted a projected figure of 200 potential cadets that might show up for the meal and subsequent church service in the chapel. We were gobsmacked by the prediction. The most we had ever served in the past was around 85 cadets.
St. Philippians began to set up serving tables Monday evening in front of the chapel and there was a brief calm before the storm. Already, there were several upperclassmen on site and in the chapel, but nowhere near the forecasted number predicted by the chaplain. A battalion of marines had marched by earlier in cadence as preparations were being made, and then several friends of St. Alban's Anglican Chapel began to arrive for the service. Finally, between the hours of 18:15 and 18:30 (that's military parlance and timekeeping for 6:15 pm and 6:30 p.m.), a large battalion of hungry cadets came marching across the parade deck, and the sky began to clear with effervescent colors protruding from the heavens––a multitude had arrived.
St. Philip's Church volunteers quickly swung into action and lines formed up of cadets backing deep into the chapel about five columns into the sanctuary. Citadel cadets began to move out of the sanctuary through the chapel's side door into the covered entranceway to the chapel where the serving tables, volunteers, and food line were set up. A mad rush of cadets draped in camouflage uniforms worked their way through the food service line being helped by St. Philip's Church volunteers, and after picking up a cup of iced tea, lemonade, or water at the end of the service line, cadets proceeded back into the opposite side door entrance to the chapel with their meal. There was a cacophony of spirited discussions, laughter, conversations between volunteers and cadets, and great fellowship. There were a multitude of young college-aged cadets there to eat some good food and then experience Christ through his music, word, and sacraments that would follow the meal.
In a moment, the doors to the chapel were suddenly closed after supper had been served, and then a rainbow appeared over the chapel. Photographs were taken by volunteers and we knew we were supposed to be there for just a brief moment in God's call of participation, if only for a fleeting moment. We were blessed by dazzling colors and a window of clear weather. To God be the Glory, Amen!
