Gem City Jewel: First Church built by the Government

One of the first permanent structures to be erected at the VA Center was the National Asylum Church, now known as the Protestant Chapel.  The corner stone was laid on November 21, 1868 and the building dedicated October 26, 1870, making it the first church ever built by the government for the benefit of veterans.

The chapel was built of several different kinds of stone with a steep slate roof.  The original pattern of the roof included 14 stars of David, surrounding a large cross.  Before the steeple was added, the tower was adorned with a large clock.  The bell which struck the hours was made from melted-down Confederate cannon.