In a small, secluded room inside Terminal C at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), some people seek respite from the cacophony of sounds and sights of the busy airport.

Some come for silent meditation, others for inspiration; still others sit in one of the pews searching for the strength to face the adversity or tragedy that has made their travel necessary. It all takes place in a 30 by 30 square foot room called the Interfaith Chapel.

“The HAS Interfaith Chapels provide a wonderful place for the traveling public and the airline/airport employees to sit for a few brief moments of respite, reflection and restoration.,” says Brett Jones who serves as the executive chaplain for the interfaith chapels at both Bush and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports.

The Interfaith Chapel at Bush opened the day the airport opened in 1969, though it was originally located in Terminal B. It has weathered the changes that now bring more than 42 million travelers to the airport each year.

A second chapel now located at Hobby Airport holds seating for eight and is used most often in the mid afternoon.

“In a world that often segregates over religion, the chapels have proven that a cohesive compatibility is possible. People from around the world and various belief systems sit in quiet acceptance of another,” says Reverend Jones.

An average of 168 people a day visit the multi-cultural, non-denominational facility at Bush, which is capable of handling up to 40 people at a time and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

During the past seven years, close to 30 couples have been married at the IAH Chapel – some were travelers; others worked at the airport.

The Interfaith Chapels are non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations funded primarily by donations and tax deductible gifts. Which brings us to why people will be soul searching on the greens at Cypresswood Golf Club this upcoming October 15th.