The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1894-01-11
G. A. r. CHAPLAINS.
The OrganizatiOn-Its Proposed Field Of
Usefulness Officers, etc.

Inc OrgantzatiOn-lts Proposed Field OF
Usefulness Officers, etc.
With this issue of THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE
We begin department devoted TO the interests
and work Of the Chapains of the GAR, and
as means of communication between them.
We hope TO elicit sufficient interest to make
this department permanent. To this end We
must earnestly solicit the cooperation and con-
tiDued aid of every Chaplain In the GAR.
Send Us brief items of news in regard to your
work-what you are doing; biief articles that
will be suggestive and helpful to other Chap
lans; brief accounts of services held in
churches; sketches of lives and army services
of Chaplains, etc. Do this very soon, so that
this column can be made means Of interest
and usefulness.
During the past year, while we were occupy
ing the high position of Chaplain in Chief,
GAR, it was most deeply impressed upon rs
that the GAR Chaplains might and could DO
far more useful than previously. Mngling
freely and constantly with the comrades We
found them with open hearts. ready for wise
and kindly ministrations, such as a devout and
brotherly Chaplain ought to render. The COM
rsdes growing old and feeble, the ambitions
of this life are largely spent, aud they are in q
peculiarly favorable condition to be led and
helped by an earnest and sincere Chaplain.
This seemed to Us most promising and iDvit-
ing field for wise effort, and the readiness with
which the boys received our IabOrs gave rs
most keenly to feel that this is peculiarly the
Chaplains' day and opportunity.
1t was this impression that led Us to study
how this work could best be systematized and
made effective. The thought came to Us that
if the nearly 5000 GAR. Chaplains could be
brought into cooperation what a grand work
could be accomplished for the veterans as we'll
as for the interests and work of the Order.
Chaplains are or should be leaders in the circles
where they move, and can by care and effort
effect great things for the comrades and for our
beloved organization. We, therefore, called
meeting of the GAR. Chaplains at the last
Encampment at indianapolis TO consult as to
these matters and devise means by which to
secure these ends.
The result was an organization of which we
were made President and the Rev. George X.
Hoover. of Davenport, Iowa, was made Secra-
tary. The NATIONAL TRIBUNE, the friend of
every soldier, has very kindly opened this coll
umn to US. Hence we enter upon this work
full of courage and hope. This, in brief, is the
history and object of this movement. Does it
not commend itself to every comrade, and es-
pecially to every GAR. Chsplain2 If so, let
Us all rally on this new work and with zeal en-
ter this inviting and open field. Write Us what
you think about it and how it can be most
g effective. There are hosts of comrades outside
the Chaplaincy full of IDEAS suggestions, and
goodwill Write US, please, and give Us the
help of your sympathy and suggestions.
Address your communications either to the
Secretary, Rev. George K. Hoover, Davenport
Iowa, or to the President Chaplain, ID, 2
LOWELL Fort Riley, Kan.
Don't fail, please, TO write US soon and often.
PRESIDENT GAR. CHAPLAINs OR9ANI-
ZATION.