National Civil War Chaplains Museum

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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Happy Independence Day!

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress met in the Pennsylvania State House to sign the Declaration of Independence, officially declaring their independence from Great Britain. About a year earlier though, the Continental Congress engaged in a few other business affairs that made liberty and justice possible.

In June of 1775, George Washington was appointed Commander in Chief for the Continental Army and set straight to work. Addressing congress, Washington is quoted to have said, “we need chaplains,” as he saw the need for an official Chaplain Corps that would provide comfort and moral support to the troops entrenched in the revolution. Several ministers had already joined the army to bring a sense of peace to the troops, but Washington desired to create an official position for these clergy that he viewed as a necessity.

Stay tuned to hear the story of the chaplaincy’s founding, as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the United States Chaplaincy!

Photo 1: The Declaration of Independence

Photo 2: Currier and Ives distributed a lithograph in 1976, which offers an artistic depiction of George Washington being appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.

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What does a “muddy boots chaplain” have to do with National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day?

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Father Francis P. Duffy left his city parish in New York for the cold and damp trenches in France. Serving as the chaplain to the 69th Infantry Regiment, a part of the Irish Brigade, his peaceful presence became a retreat for soldiers on the front lines. Several even reported that the lines to speak with him were longer than those at the mess halls, as his words brought truth and comfort to war-weary men.

As the war in Europe raged on, Father Duffy went to great lengths to alleviate soldiers of their troubles, often stepping into harm’s way to be of service. He ministered to the wounded in “No Man’s Land,” administering last rites and providing reassurance and consolation. Due to his service to the suffering, Father Duffy received the Distinguished Service Cross, as well as other service medals.

Father Duffy was in the trenches and on the fields when the world was at war and saw what it could do to soldiers. Today, we remember those who do suffer or have suffered from PTSD. Father Duffy’s story reminds us of the comfort that chaplains can bring to those in the face of battle, as well as those scarred by it.

Photo 1: Father Duffy leads a funeral in France during the war. The comforting service and presence of chaplains at funerals often brought reassurance to those in attendance.

Photo 2: Father Francis P. Duffy of the 69th Infantry Regiment. While serving in World War I, Duffy was a part of the National Guard, wearing their uniform.

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