Sioux City Army Air Base / Chapel history
‘Planning and development of the Sioux City Army Air Base began in February of 1942 only two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Between March and November of 1942 Peter Kiewit and Sons’ Company of Omaha, Nebraska built hundreds of buildings at the new base including barracks, a hospital, mess halls, warehouses, hangars, a post office, a theater, a school, chapels, a fire station, a control tower, and numerous other structures. The Sioux City Army Airbase officially opened in July of 1942 and began welcoming thousands of enlisted military and officers for training aboard B-17 “Flying Fortresses,” B-24 “Liberators,” and later B-29 “Flying Superfortresses.” After the end of World War II, the Air Base was closed in November of 1945.
One of the last remaining structures of the former Air Base was Building 105-Chapel 2. The chapel was primarily used by Catholic servicepeople and later functioned as a multi-denominational religious and community center.
Photos
One of many services
A wedding, image taken in the mid-1940’s.
Servicemen
Exercising behind Chapel 2.
Gathering
Outside Chapel 2.
Hospital Courtyard
Both Chapels on base are visible in this image. Chapel 2 is on the right side.
Renovations
Base Signage
Taken in the 1960’s with Chapel 2 Building in background.
Renovation in 1968
Chapel 2 Building 105.
Closure
November 4, 2025
Service of Thanksgiving and Closure for the Chapel. One this date, a service for the public was lead by Rev. Andrew Nelson, Brigadier General Ret. Lawrence Christiansen, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Moore. The retirement of colors were provided by the Sergeant Bluff American Legion Post 662.
Remarks
Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Moore, providing remarks inside the Chapel at the Closing Ceremony.
Clergy
Rev Andrew Nelson, Morningside University/185th ARW Chaplain, Rev Lloyd Grant, Central Baptist, and Rev Mark Stoll, Sioux City Diocese participated in the Closing Ceremony of Chapel 2 Building 105.