Veterans Office renovating War Chapel

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

It’s been a landmark in downtown Van Wert for 70 years, but the Military War Album Chapel next to the Van Wert County Courthouse should see a major renovation coming soon.

In 1944, then-Van Wert County sheriff Roy Shaffer collected photos of local veterans who were serving their country during World War II. However, there was no place at that time to display the photos, so local officials decided to construct a centrally located building to honor war veterans.

The frame of the building was constructed on the grounds of the Marsh Foundation and was then erected next to the Van Wert County Courthouse, where it remains today. By the end of August 1944, more than 1,000 photos had been collected for display in the chapel. Those photos were displayed at that year’s Van Wert County Fair before being placed in the new chapel.

Van Wert County Veterans Service Officer Barry Johns said renovation of the building would allow for the addition of more photos, while replacing the current picture frames and updating lighting in the building.

“This renovation has been a long time coming,” Johns said, adding that former veterans service officer Keith Harmon began working on the renovation project in 2003. “If it wasn’t for Keith’s hard work, we more than likely would not be seeing this renovation happening now.”

According to Johns, the Military War Album Chapel reached its display capacity around 2007, but the renovation will finally change that. Johns is also asking that anyone who would like to add a photo of a family member from Van Wert County that served in the armed forces should being a 3½-by-5-inch photo to Gibby’s Express Photo, 137 E. Main St. in Van Wert. Gibby’s will then prepare the photos for display in the chapel.

In addition to financial donations from individuals and organizations already received, Johns thanked Alexander & Bebout Inc., National Door & Trim Inc. and Gibby’s Express Photo for all they have done to get the renovation project started, as well as future work they will be doing on the chapel.

Meanwhile, although the Veterans Service Office has enough funding from previous donations to start the project, Johns said he would need more donations to complete the renovations. Donations can be sent to the Van Wert County Foundation, with the memo line of checks reading: “Military Chapel Project.”