Navy and Air Force communities are now regularly gathering for Sunday services at the recently renovated historic Submarine Memorial Chapel at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Constructed in 1944, the chapel features 12 stained-glass windows dedicated to 52 World War II submarines that sank and 3,505 seamen who died during the war. A 13th window pays homage to all submariners past and present.

Cmdr. Joseph Primeaux, who serves as a co-chaplain for the 10 a.m. weekly Protestant service held there, said when he first arrived at Pearl Harbor in July, he was charmed by the old wooden chapel, though it had been neglected for about a decade. There was a big, termite-eaten hole in one wall and other signs of disrepair.

A few months later Primeaux teamed up with another chaplain, Douglas Johnson of Nelles Chapel, which is situated on Hickam Air Force Base property. Repairs were made, and Navy and Air Force personnel began attending services there on Nov. 22.

Johnson, who serves as the chapel’s primary chaplain, said he brought more than 30 Nelles Chapel members to Submarine Memorial Chapel, in part because “it’s small enough that there’s a close, intimate feeling with the congregation.” Nelles Chapel, by comparison, is “huge, cavernous,” he said.

Lt. Cmdr. Thomas H. Reilly is credited with building the submariner chapel.

According to military lore, during WWII Reilly, a Catholic priest, combed the island for building materials as no government funding was allocated for the chapel. And people from across Oahu responded with donated materials and volunteer labor time.

“It’s such a unique little chapel because of the details,” Primeaux said. “There’s little niches, there’s statuary, little shelves … that just remind me of the thought that went into building” it.

Johnson said, “You get the feeling of being back in the World War II era. … It is absolutely a joy to see the original intention and heart and purpose of those who built the chapel. To see it being utilized is just very fulfilling.”

He added, “We found it to be a great opportunity for the Air Force and Navy communities to come together. It’s just been very meaningful and very successful,”

A fellowship meal is held after the weekly service. Though the chapel doesn’t have the same amenities that Nelles had, Johnson said, “It’s been a joyful experience to worship there. We are grateful we were able to see it reopened and revived.”

In addition to military personnel, the chapel is attracting visitors who have a connection to WWII submariners, Primeaux said.

A few months ago, he said, a young man and woman came to take pictures of the chapel bell, which was donated by the USS Argonaut right before its last patrol. It was sunk by Japanese destroyers in 1943. The woman’s grandfather was among those who had died, he said.

A remembrance bell-tolling ceremony is held every second Wednesday of the month.