National Civil War Chaplains Museum

In the United States Navy, small warships such as destroyers and frigates often carry the names of legendary sailors and Marines from across America’s sea service. Six commissioned warships have also honored Navy chaplains who made extraordinary sacrifices for our country, sailing the world’s oceans in their memory.

USS Kirkpatrick and USS Schmitt were destroyer escorts named after two Navy chaplains lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS O’Callahan was named after Chaplain Joseph O’Callahan, who earned the Medal of Honor while serving aboard the carrier USS Franklin in World War II.

USS Capodanno, a frigate named for Medal of Honor recipient Chaplain Vincent Capodanno, remains the only ship in the Navy to have received an apostolic blessing from the pope.

USS Rentz honored Chaplain George Rentz, who served in World War I and sacrificed himself for his shipmates in World War II.

Finally, USS Laboon is a currently commissioned guided-missile destroyer named for Chaplain John Francis Laboon. After serving as a submarine officer during World War II, he became a Catholic chaplain, ministering to marines, submariners, and midshipmen across the fleet.

The research into the legacy of U.S. Navy chaplains and their service across the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Goard continues here at the Chaplain’s Museum. Come visit us and learn more about U.S. Navy chaplains!

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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Today marks 161 years since Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House. Lee’s surrender marked the end of the Civil War, which had divided Americans for four years. In the aftermath, chaplains on both sides ministered to their own and other troops.

In his diary, Confederate Chaplain William E. Wiatt of the 26th Virginia Infantry mourned the defeat of the South but also prayed, “Lord, teach us to humble ourselves before Thee, repenting of our sins and trusting in Thy Son.” Chaplain Wiatt then crossed into the Union lines and talked of religion with some Union soldiers.

Rev. Albert Ira Dutton, a delegate of the United States Christian Commission (USCC), was also present at Appomattox. In his diary, he celebrated the Union victory. According to Dutton’s diary, victory was an answer to his prayers.

After Appomattox, USCC delegates also ministered to the troops on both sides with their coffee wagons. The smell of coffee drew in Confederate soldiers who were headed home and had not had access to the amenities of life, such as coffee.

Visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about how chaplains in the Civil War and other parts of American history served their fellow soldiers!



Image: Chaplain William E. Wiatt (Courtesy of FindAGrave)
Image: Cover of the diary of Rev. Albert Ira Dutton
Image: USCC Coffee Wagon


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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