Pastoral duties for two religious services transitioned to three pastors during ceremonies at the main post chapel here, March 22 and 29.

A Changing of the Stole ceremony March 22 was presided over by National Training Center and Fort Irwin Chaplain (Col.) Terry McBride. McBride oversaw Chaplain (Capt.) Wayne VandeKrol relinquish Multi-Cultural Gospel pastoral duties to incoming senior pastor, Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Haddock and associate pastor Chaplain (Capt.) David Spooner.

At the chapel’s March 29 General Protestant Worship Service, McBride presided over a Changing of the Stole ceremony, where Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Barton Herndon relinquished duties as senior pastor of the congregation to Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morales. Chaplain Herndon will continue serving, as the associate pastor, working with Chaplain Morales as the congregation’s “spiritual team.”

It was two great days to celebrate this rich tradition of the U. S. Army Chaplain Corps dating back to 1775, during the American Revolution. It symbolizes the act of Elisha taking the mantle of responsibility from Elijah and continuing to serve the Lord in “His calling” to minister to God’s people, as described in 2 Kings, Chapter 2, of the Bible.

The congregations are looking with great anticipation to see how these chaplain teams will serve the Lord in “His calling” – just like Elisha.

Chaplain VandeKrol will be departing Fort Irwin for a follow-on assignment to Fort Belvoir, Va., as he attends the U.S Army Clinical Pastoral Education degree program.

Chaplain (Col.) Terry McBride bestows the stole on Chaplain (Capt.) Jason Haddock