FSB volunteered our time and talents to give the Army National Guard its own “prairie chapel.”

Many things can be described as a labor of love, but this is particularly appropriate when speaking of the Thunderbird Chapel at Oklahoma’s Camp Gruber. Funded through donations and built with volunteer labor, it filled a significant gap for the campground which had not had a new chapel since 1977.

FSB participated in this enormous volunteer effort by providing architecture and engineering design drawings that encapsulate a “prairie chapel” feel for the new structure. The design complements its setting in a wooded area of the 30,000-acre site and is surrounded by meditation venues and walkways. A dominant bell tower and nearly 60-foot steeple rise above the front door of the simple frame structure, anchoring the building and creating a welcoming feel.

The interfaith Thunderbird Chapel has seating for 200 and is designed for worship services, weddings, family reunions and community activities. Clergy and counseling offices were also included.