A Brief History of Summerall Chapel

Sitting in the heart of the Citadel on the Avenue of Remembrance, this cruciform chapel is a testament to many. It serves not only the Citadel but also the South Carolina Corps of Cadets as well as the Charleston community.

Being non-sectarian, non-denominational, the chapel hosts weekly worship services also that are specifically Catholic, Protestant, and Episcopal. Throughout the year, many special events are held inside from weddings to the Christmas Candlelight Services to name a couple.

Designed by C.R. MacDonald, chapel construction began in September of 1936 and was completed merely one year later. On Palm Sunday of 1938, the chapel was dedicated simply as the Cadet Chapel. After Gen. Summerall’s retirement as president in 1953, the name was changed to Gen. Pelot Summerall Chapel.

Thirteenth and Fourteenth-century Gothic-styled architecture, oaken furniture, and ceilings of pine are prominent in the building’s design. Many stained-glass windows depicting the life of Jesus Christ adorn the chapel.

Medallions have been provided by families and friends of many commemorated cadets which make up the façade and transept windows. Each medallion is identical in size, but represents the specific individuals symbolically based on “courage, sacrifice, religion, truth, duty, loyalty, patriotism, faith, charity, prayer, adoration, praise, and immortality.” The chancel window behind the altar was dedicated in 1942 to all Citadel graduates who lost their lives courageously fighting for the country’s cause.

There are 57 flags on display in the chapel; this includes the flags representing each of the states of the union which not only hang throughout the chapel but also improve the acoustics within.

Summerall Chapel is well over 80 years old and the magnificent stained-glass windows have begun to show some wear and are in dire need of refurbishment due to their age. In 2019, the Class of 1974 launched a campaign to assist in such repairs. In addition, the Citadel Foundation has supported the formation of an Advisory Committee to further these efforts of restoration with a target completion of 2023.

Words of reflection are inscribed at Summerall Chapel-- Above the altar reads: “To the Glory of God, and In Memory of The Citadel’s Patriot Dead” and outside the chapel on the ground reads: “Remember Now Thy Creator in the Days of Thy Youth.”

Summerall Chapel is a place of remembrance, patriotism, religion, and prayer where all may come together in reverence to reflect and worship. It is a place of sanctuary, a stronghold, a safe place for not only cadets but all to commune away from the business and strains of daily life. And into the ages, it will remain a spiritual atmosphere for all to come and just be.

~ Kristen N. Granet