Foundations of American Chaplaincy 1607-1865

Foundations of American Chaplaincy 1607-1865

Introduction

History of military chaplaincy is based upon the account of sacrifice and service. The military units were raised from the congregations by the colonial clergymen where they served, and led them in different battles. Those clergymen used to share the hunger, suffering, grief, loneliness, imprisonment, defeats and victories of the soldiers. The U.S military chaplaincy was also born out of an amalgamation of needs and desires. Military chaplaincy, throughout the U.S history has had important yet controversial roles in times of war and peace.

Discussion

In 1637, in the expedition against the Indians in the Pequot war Robert Hunt was officially appointed as their chaplain as the first minister in Britain's colonies in America but later was passed on to Samuel Stone of Hartford Connecticut a congregational divine . This American pattern of colonial chaplaincy emerged out of the experience of the settlers and it varied in military organizations where colonist used it. The clergy were attached to each military unit to offer volunteer to colonial forces, British army and frontier forts. This however, leads to emergency of two distinct patterns that greatly influenced the American chaplaincy. One dwelt with the tactical troops while the other is involved in the geographical posts in forts along the frontiers and coastal defenses and at the naval base. But in the 1660, the tactical unit system organization used in the army followed the British regimental model where time to time Stuart “Restoration proved each regiment to have its own chaplain. His selected chaplain was required by the law to say prayers on a regular basis”.

The U.S military chaplaincy came into being when the Gen. George Washington battles British and wanted Providence to support him. However, for ensuring this it was necessary to make troops above any criticism and having chaplains on board was one way of ensuring that. Owing to this fact, the Continental Congress established the military chaplaincy on July 29, 1775. Gen. George Washington issued the order of paying those $20/month and was also provided “forage for one horse”. He ordered the performance of divine services on every Sunday at 11o' clock, on every bridge, that had chaplains. He urged his soldiers that while performing their duties as military men they should neglect their duties of religion.

The U.S history of military chaplaincy dates back to the early days of the country. ...