Tucked within the woods of Hawk Mountain Camp is one of the most meaningful places connected to Oreland Troop 1’s history and traditions — the Memorial Chapel.
Located on Chapel Island and accessed by a stone-and-iron memorial arch, the chapel serves as a place for reflection, worship, remembrance, and quiet fellowship. For generations of Scouts and leaders, campfires, Scout’s Own services, moments of silence, and personal reflection have taken place there.
In 1969, Al Doering and Phil Marcolina constructed the stone and iron memorial arch leading to Chapel Island in honor of former Scout Lt. David Ralph Wilson, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. The memorial quickly became not only a tribute to Wilson, but also a lasting symbol of service and sacrifice connected to Oreland Troop 1.
A plaque later attached to the archway honors Scouts from Oreland Troop 1 who died while serving their country. Today, three names appear on that memorial:
David Ralph Wilson — Eagle Scout, United States Army, killed in action in Vietnam on January 31, 1968.
Robert Oren Hill — Star Scout, United States Army aviator and DUSTOFF pilot, killed in action in Vietnam on September 27, 1970.
Arthur Griffith — Oreland Troop 1 Scout and United States Army Specialist Fourth Class who died while serving in West Germany on September 11, 1979 following injuries sustained in a vehicle accident.
The Memorial Chapel remains an important part of Oreland Troop 1’s identity and history. Scouts continue to visit Chapel Island during campouts and special events, learning not only about the individuals memorialized there, but also about the ideals of duty, leadership, courage, and service to others.
The chapel stands as a reminder that the values taught through Scouting extend far beyond campfires and merit badges — and that generations of Troop 1 Scouts carried those values into lives of service to their communities and country.