SAVING THE CHAPEL
Reyn Harbour, a seventh grade student at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School saw a story on a local TV station and knew he had to do something to help. The story was about the scheduled demolition of the chapel on Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta. A group of veterans were seeking donations so that the chapel could be moved and not demolished. Reyn thought of his grandfather who had passed away a few years earlier. He was a proud Navy man and Reyn wanted to make a gift in memory of his grandfather to stop the demolition of this 62 year old historic chapel.
With the approval of Principal Alex Porto, the school participated in various fundraising activities to help. Reyn’s fellow classmates at SJN rallied behind his efforts. A total of eight hundred dollars was raised through different fundraisers at the school. The students sold valentine candygrams, popcorn during lunch, and the teachers paid to have a special teacher jean day.
Colonel John Powers, Dick Roberts, and Henry Bagley from Dobbins Chapel Foundation recently accepted the check after a school wide Mass and congratulated Mr. Harbour on his efforts. The chapel has received other donations and will soon find a new home in another location on the base.
The pews and walls of this chapel which hold engraved names of Air National Guard and Air Reservists who have given their lives for our country will remain intact. The chapel will continue to be the site for many military-style weddings, funerals, memorial ceremonies and religious services.
As for Reyn, he is grateful for all the help his fellow students gave him and grateful for the wonderful memories of his grandfather. He knows his grandfather would be proud of him.
St. John Neumann Regional Catholic is located in Lilburn, GA and serves students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.
#1060 Colonel John Powers presents Principal Alex Porto with a picture of the chapel.
#1064 Reyn Harbour is congratulated for his efforts by members of the Dobbins Chapel Foundation. Left to Right: Mr. Henry Bagley, Mr. Dick Roberts, Reyn Harbour, and Colonel John Powers