©2005, Mercer University Press, 316 pp. including index in hardback

The southern armies were in great need of the ministry of faithful chaplains. The editor points out that only one fourth of the soldiers were members of a church at the War’s start. Church membership is not necessary for salvation nor does it make one a Christian;  however, this statistic does shed light on the spiritual needs that existed in southern military camps. There was plenty of work for the one thousand tree hundred eight chaplains who served the Confederate army during the conflict.

Chaplains did not have to be ordained but they did have to have the approval of the regimental officer. Chaplains did not have required duties. They had to be self-starters. Those whose writings are included in this very fine work evidence self-governance, compassion for the troops, and a heart for ministry.

This book is divided into five sections based on the chronology of the War and including the Reconstruction era. In the opening chapter, writings from chaplain Boyce and Quintard, among others are included. Boyce writes of his reticence to support secession. Quintard gives the reader an eyewitness account of his journey with his regiment from Nashville to Virginia.

Successive chapters provide wide-ranging selections from chaplains in the eastern and western theaters of the War. Here the reader will find records of chaplains ministering in the camps and during campaigns. These pages of ministry at Shiloh, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Atlanta among other places include reflection of work on the battlefield, in hospitals, and on the march to battles. There is much on which to reflect in these pages. I especially appreciated the account of two soldiers who were granted leave of absence to procure bread and wine for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper on the upcoming Lord’s Day. The round trip was successful for one of the men, but it took four days. The other man returned empty-handed after having walked at least one hundred miles without finding any wine.

One of the most interesting chapters to me described the evident movement of the Holy Spirit in revivals that stretched throughout the southern armies. The selections are taken from the accounts of chaplains in the Army of Northern Virginia. There was earnest worship, successful efforts to construct temporary chapels for regular worship during the winter months, and the establishment of a Christian Daily Newspaper. The chapter concludes with Chaplain Tichenor’s Fast Day sermon that he preached before the Alabama legislature in 1863.

The chapter covering ministry at the War’s end evidences some of the great devastation in the South as well as the heroic efforts of James Anthony during the advance of General Sherman’s army in Georgia. Due to the needs of his bedridden wife and their young children, he was unable to accept a chaplain’s commission. This pastor successfully pleaded against plans to destroy several homes in his town. He also willingly ministered to a wounded Federal soldier.

The final chapter gives insight into ministry opportunities following the War. The editor notes that many denominations saw their church membership decrease during the War years. Thus ministry opportunities were great after the surrender. Many chaplains returned home with a number of leadership and organizational principles that they had seen employed in the military. They successfully employed these in their ministry at home.  Selections in this chapter are from pens of the noted pastor John Girardeau and of Atticus Haygood. Haygood was president of Emory College. His 1880 Thanksgiving sermon on Psalm 117 is included. In it he calls his hearers to meditate on much for which they have to give thanks including the abolition of slavery. In stating this he admits to a change of his own views on the subject over the past decades.

Writings that the editor has included have been well chosen. They show a dedication to the work at hand in the midst of some reservation regarding political decisions. They evidence faithfulness in the midst of hardship and heaven-sent revival.  These records reflect not only their author’s faithfulness but the faithfulness of many co-laborers in ministry. Reading accounts of eye-witnesses is a great way to study history. These writings provide readers with an opportunity to look at the southern army’s triumphs and trials through the eyes of chaplains.

This book is worthwhile reading not only for those interested in southern history but also for all who are interested in reading about the work of God’s Spirit in saving sinners and sanctifying Christians.

Review ©2008 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia