National Civil War Chaplains Museum

While the Army Chaplaincy was established in 1775 it was not until 1920 that it was significantly professionalized.

Julius Kahn, a United States Representative, was instrumental in the founding of the Army Chief of Chaplains position. Primarily concerned with military preparedness, he sponsored the National Defense Act of 1920, bringing his concerns to light. In a later meeting with the House of Representatives, it was decided that a part of military stability was to be found in a strong body of spiritual support in the military.

The NDA of 1920 states that “one chaplain, of rank not below that of a major, may be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to be Chief of Chaplains.” Through this document, the Officer of the Chief of Chaplains (OCCH) was created and began to organize a high standard of religious reinforcement within the Army.

On July 15, 1920, Chaplain (Major) John T. Axton was appointed the first Army Chief of Chaplains and promoted to the rank of colonel. Throughout his military career, Axton served as a chaplain from 1902 to 1928, winning the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his serving during World War I.

To learn more about the evolution of the U.S. military chaplaincy, come visit the museum!

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

Image 1: Chaplain (Col.) John T. Axton (far left) before officiating at the ceremony for the burial of An Unknown Soldier in 1921. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Image 2: Julius Kahn, an essential figure in the establishment of OCCH, was the first Jewish Representative for the state and California. Image courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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Have you ever wondered how military generals view the chaplaincy?

In the case of General John J. Pershing of the American Expeditionary Force, he was all in. As the leader of a multitude of American soldiers during World War I, he felt that he was ultimately responsible for the conduct of these men and believed that chaplains were the best way to keep them in order, both morally and spiritually.

General Pershing saw the role of chaplains in the AEF to be of “special importance,” as each day brought a new set of trials and temptations to those on the Western Front. With a “desire to surround them with the best influences possible,” he wrote a letter to the Secretary of War in 1918, asking that more chaplains be added to his ranks. His request being swiftly granted, the numbers of chaplains swelled, and Bishop Charles H. Brent was appointed Chief of Chaplains for the AEF.

During the Philippine Insurrection, Bishop Brent baptized and confirmed then Captain Pershing in the Episcopalian Church, strengthening his faith and influencing his future.

To learn more about the chaplaincy, come visit the museum!

Image 1: General John J. Pershing, leader of the American Expeditionary Force in France.

Image 2: Bishop Charles H. Brent, an Episcopal bishop who served during the Philippine-American War and World War I.

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