Address on Army and Navy Church Work - October 1, 1918
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[page 1] I. N. J. Address on Army & Navy Church Work. Luke 22, 32b. War is the most terrible scourge the Lord applies and the severest chastisement that He inflicts upon nations to make them heed His Word, calling the sinner to repentance and urging the Christian to hold fast the saving truth and the precious things with which God has favored him, as well as to spread the Gospel both far and near. For several years the most terrific war the world has ever witnessed has been raging, and for a year and a half we have been participants in this gigantic conflict. The longer it lasts, the more we feel it in the increased cost of living. But not that only. We feel it more and more also in the calls made upon the man-power of our nation. Wherever you may be and wherever you may go, you see and meet men in military uniform who are being trained in this or that branch of warfare. Ungrudgingly all loyal citizens of this fair and richly blessed country of ours do and suffer whatever may be necessary to bring this war to a speedy and
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[page 2] The Work of our Church Board for the Army and Navy. Among the millions that have enlisted or that have been drafted for military service, are many of our brethren. At present the number exceeds 25000 from our Synod, 30000 from the Synodical Conferences. These men are scattered throughout 320 camps in this and in foreign countries. While the majority of them are yet on this side of the Atlantic, 11 million are already
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[page 3][firing] line. As soon as they enter camp they are immunized against various diseases. In well equipped hospitals they are under the expert cars of medical men and nurses. Various organizations have also made provisions for their comfort, entertainment and recreation, while they are off duty. Moreover our Government is very alert in keeping the camp and its surroundings free from vice and in throwing all kinds of safe-guards around the soldiers and sailors to protect them against practices which would impair their morals and put a blot on their name. But while our Government strains every nerve, fiber, sinew and muscle, as it were, to provide the soldiers, rallying around Old Glory, with all that they need for their bodily wants, and it behooves us as citizens to strengthen the hands of the Administration by saving and enduring privations, by purchasing War Saving Stamps and Liberty Bonds to the extent of our ability, we have another duty to perform towards the soldiers which only the Church can perform and which is incumbent on us as Christians, i. e., to minister to the spiritual wellbeing of our fellow-Christians in the camps and on the battle-fields: for the words of Christ addressed to Peter concern each and every one of us as well:
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[page 4] increased, particularly in France, where military regulations do not permit any but government-chaplains to labor among the soldiers. But besides these men who hold the rank of 1st lieutenant, whose activity is restricted to a particular regiment and who go wherever that regiment goes, we have 50 camp-pastors, whose activity is not limited like that of the commissioned chaplains, but who may minister to any one in the camp desiring their services or willing to accept them. Moreover about 100 ministers of our faith who have churches near some camp devote part of their time to the men in military service. In several of the camps, such as camp Taylor, [Kentucky], Camp Sherman, Ohio, Camp Funston, [Kansas], Camp Sevier, [South Carolina], we have Lutheran Centers, buildings, consisting of an auditorium with a seating capacity of 400 to 500, a room for stationery, tracts and books, and another which serves as a social parlor. These
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[page 5] the soldier can always conveniently carry with him. The Walther League, which you doubtless know, has generously contributed $15,000 to make this possible. A Lutheran periodical, named the
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[page 5] the soldier can always conveniently carry with him. The Walther League, which you doubtless know, has generously contributed $15,000 to make this possible. A Lutheran periodical, named the
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[page 6] to meet any contingencies, their attitude toward the precious Gospel of Him, who came to save that which is lost is entirely changed. Writing to his home-pastor, one of them said,
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[page 7] you tell me how I could become a good Christian man and a member of a church?
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[page 8] do tell me, do the blessed truths with which you comforted my mate concern me too? Is there a sure place of refuge and is there hope for me?
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[page 9] Lutheran chaplain tell him, Fear not, Christ, thy Savior, is with thee and will not leave thee, for His promise to every one that puts his trust in Him, is:
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[page 10] If Christ means little to you, you cannot get yourself to part with more than a little, but if Christ and a blood-bought soul means much to you, then you will feel constrained to do much for the cause for which I
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[page 11] withal it shall be measured to you again.
Details
| Title | Address on Army and Navy Church Work - October 1, 1918 |
| Creator | Unknown |
| Source | Unknown. Address on Army and Navy Church Work. 01 October 1918. Graebner, Theodore Collection. Concordia Historical Institute, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Description | Typed account of the work done by the Lutheran Church Board for Army and Navy to promote the raising of money for the Board. The Board was committed to raising money for camp pastors to be sent to U.S. training camps to help promote the gospel. The Government provided Chaplains, but chaplains could only preach to soldiers within their assigned regiment. Camp pastors were provided to minister at all training camps to men of all religious backgrounds. The work of camp-pastors is not confined to preaching, however. They also visited the sick in the hospitals and made personal contact with the individual soldiers. |
| Subject LCSH | World War, 1914-1918--Public opinion; World War, 1914-1918--Religious aspects; Lutheran Church |
| Subject Local | WWI; World War I |
| Contributing Institution | Concordia Historical Institute |
| Copy Request | Transmission or reproduction of items on these pages beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the Concordia Historical Institute: 314-505-7900 |
| Rights | The text and images contained in this collection are intended for research and educational use only. Duplication of any of these images for commercial use without express written consent is expressly prohibited. |
| Date Original | October 1, 1918 |
| Language | English |