Camp Gruber is one of the few National Guard military training grounds in the country that doesn't have a chapel, said Col. Mike Taylor, state chaplain for the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

“What we have not had at Camp Gruber is a place that serves as an anchor for ministry and that's what this chapel does,” Taylor said. “It is a statement from the people of Oklahoma to the National Guard that the soldier's spiritual well being is important to them.”

About 100,000 to 150,000 soldiers are trained at the camp every year, he said.

The nondenominational building will be called Thunderbird Chapel. The former 45th Division's insignia was a thunderbird, which is an American Indian symbol meaning sacred bearer of unlimited happiness.

Chaplains will be able to use the chapel to meet with soldiers and their families to discuss confidential issues, he said. Such meetings now are usually held in an office in the dining facilities.

Various companies in the state are donating materials and services, but about $500,000 is still needed to buy furnishings and supplies for the 10,500-square-foot building, Fallin said. Money is needed for such things as pews, sound equipment, worship linens, sacristy items, baptismal robes, wedding candle stands, office furnishings, stained glass and musical instruments.

Glenn Short, an Oklahoma City architect who is donating his services, said construction costs generally run about $100 a square foot, so the actual cost of the Thunderbird Chapel is more than $1 million.

The chapel also may be used as a fellowship hall and for family gatherings, Taylor said.

Fallin wants the chapel built by April, when many of the 2,200 soldiers with the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are scheduled to return from Afghanistan.

“It's a great gift back to our soldiers and a thank-you gift for all that they have done in time and sacrifice that they have given to our nation,” she said.

Groundbreaking is set for Sept. 7. Volunteer workers coordinated through World Mission Builders are to arrive Oct. 28 and get the exterior of the chapel erected in slightly more than two weeks.

Workers should be able to finish the interior work and have the chapel ready by the governor's deadline, said Gerry Shepherd, president of Oklahoma Roofing and Sheet Metal. He's donating material for the chapel's roof and is coordinating donations from other trade companies and builders.

Brig. Gen. Robbie Asher, primary assistant to the state's adjutant general, said soldiers are trained to be physically fit, mentally tough and spiritually strong.

“This chapel will give them the resource that is needed at Camp Gruber to enhance their spirituality,” he said. “It has been talked about — the need for a chapel at Camp Gruber — for many, many years.”

Thunderbird Chapel will be built in woods at the camp. It will feature a sanctuary and an auditorium that can seat about 200. It also will have offices for clergy and counseling as well as areas for seminars, Bible studies and other gatherings. All denominations will be able to use the building, Short said.

At one time as many as 14 chapels were on the grounds of Camp Gruber, which was built in 1942. The camp was deactivated in 1947 and most of the existing structures, including all the chapels, were destroyed or moved to other locations. The camp was reactivated in 1977, and although many new buildings have been constructed since, no chapel has been built on the grounds.