MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII — Though the Marine Corps Base Hawaii chapel opened June 5, 2006, it has since lacked a name to match what it represents.
Marines, sailors, government officials and religious leaders rendered respects to Navy Capt. Joseph Estabrook during a ceremony in which the base chapel was named in his honor, Feb. 1.
Estabrook was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1969. He held several positions in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York, before becoming a Navy chaplain in 1977.
During Estabrook’s time as a chaplain, he served on numerous ships throughout Europe. Estabrook was stationed in Quantico, Va., and later became the chief of the Chaplains Office in Washington, D.C. He traveled on the USS Carl Vinson, served in the U.S. Pacific Fleet and was appointed to fleet chaplain, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and senior chaplain of the U.S. Pacific Unified Command from 1997 to 2000.
He reported to Marine Corps Base Hawaii in September 2000, where he continued to serve Marines and sailors until he retired and entered the episcopacy in 2004.
While stationed on MCB Hawaii, he noticed the need for a place in which people could worship. This drove him to be a strong proponent for the establishment of a chapel on MCB Hawaii.
In earlier years, the chapel moved to various locations around the base, never establishing permanent roots on the base’s grounds.
“Bishop Estabrook always wanted to have a permanent place for the chapel here on Marine Corps Base Hawaii,” said Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the fourth Archbishop for the Military Services, U.S.A. “He led the way in the creation of this chapel. It’s fitting that it is named in memory of Bishop Estabrook.”
Estabrook used his final tour at MCB Hawaii to push for the replacement of the “chow hall chapel” with the current facility, a $7.2 million project. The current chapel gives residents an opportunity to access chapel life. It can seat up to 750 people, features the biggest organ on Oahu, a $30,000 carillon in the bell tower and a new audio visual system.
Estabrook wanted to create a closer community involving activities and organizations through the chapel. Since it creation, the chapel has grown to include programs to entertain any hectic schedule. Base residents are welcome to join ladies lunch in, Bible studies, retreats and activities like hiking and community charities for people in need.
“All Marines need chaplains,” said Maj. Gen. Peter Talleri, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations, Pacific. “Chaplains are always there to help families and community members, and Bishop Estabrook was no exception.”
During the ceremony, a plaque that honored Estabrook and detailed his service was unveiled. Talleri and Broglio removed the red drapes to unveil Estabrook’s name inscribed on the front of the chapel.
Viewers rose to their feet while clapping. Family members fought back tears of pride and joy that Estabrook will continue to be remembered for years to come.
Several attendants spoke about Estabrook, all describing the impact he had on them and many others during his lifetime.
“People can come to the Estabrook Chapel with the ability to relax and find comfort, just like what Bishop Estabrook provided to people when he was alive,” said Navy Lt. Bob Crabb, the chaplain for Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. “The ceremony couldn’t have gone any better. There isn’t a better way to honor everything he has done for Marines and sailors on Marine Corps Base Hawaii.”
Date Taken: | 02.01.2013 |
Date Posted: | 02.08.2013 21:44 |
Story ID: | 101727 |
Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HAWAII, US |
Web Views: | 350 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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