National Civil War Chaplains Museum

As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington understood the need for spiritual support among the troops. Because of this, Washington strongly supported the call for chaplains. He referenced chaplains in his writings over 50 times, valuing their role in promoting discipline, moral conduct, and unity among soldiers.

Thus, on July 29, 1774, one year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed chaplains to the army.

Washington pushed to place one chaplain in each regiment. Since regiments were formed within local communities, they primarily consisted of soldiers who shared the same faith tradition. By assigning a chaplain to each regiment, soldiers could access religious support consistent with their faith. Despite Washington’s wishes, Congress was only able to assign one chaplain per brigade due to budget restraints.

Washington’s last order to chaplains dates to February 15, 1783, in which he wrote that:
“While [the chaplains] are thus publickly and privately engaged in performing the sacred duties of their office [the soldiers] may depend upon his utmost encouragement and support on all occasions, and that they will be considered in a very respectable point of light by the whole Army.”

Stay tuned for more about the military chaplains in the American Revolution and their place in America’s founding as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary over the coming year!

Image: “The painting "The Chaplain at Valley Forge," by artist William A. Smith, depicts Gen. George Washington, his chaplain and soldiers praying at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.”

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 

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On this day in 2017 the position, long known as the Chaplain Assistant, was officially changed to Religious Affairs Specialist within the Army. Why the need for a name change? The former title, Chaplain Assistant, often led to confusion about what the role of the position entailed. Not a bodyguard or an aid to chaplains, Religious Affairs Specialists provide spiritual support, cultural advising, force protection, and assistance with various faith traditions within the Unit Ministry Team.

Originally formalized in 1909 under War Department General Order No. 253, the position has its roots as far back as 1866, when soldiers were assigned to assist Army Chaplains in completing all their duties. Over time, the role has evolved, but it is still commonly known as "Chaplain Assistant." The primary responsibilities remain focused on managing all aspects of religious support within both unit and garrison settings.

Religious Affairs Specialists serve alongside Chaplains as part of the Unit Ministry Team (UMT). These teams are tasked with safeguarding the First Amendment rights of soldiers and their families, ensuring access to religious support, worship, education, and moral guidance regardless of faith tradition or belief system. As enlisted soldiers themselves, Religious Affairs Specialists bring a unique peer perspective to the team, offering Chaplains vital insight into the morale, concerns, and wellbeing of the unit.

Stay tuned and stop by the Chaplains Museum to see our upcoming displays on Chaplains Assistants and their history!

Image 1: Spc. Faith Bedwell, a Religious Affairs Specialist assigned to Company C, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, prepares the pulpit at Freedom Chapel.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio. 

#chaplainsmuseum #libertyuniversity #chaplain #militarychaplains #chaplainassistant #religiousaffairsspecialist #militaryhistory ...