The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-11-01
THE RAILROAD CHAPLAIN
WHAT HIS DUTIES ARE, AND HOW
REV. BRUNTON DISCHARGES THEM.
The Black Diamond Road VIII BE the
First NOrth-nnd-sOuth Trunk Line
Built - General Notes.

Rev. John Brunton, chaplain OF the Dem
yer & Rio Grande road, the only official of
that title on American railways, who has
been in the city several days will leave for
Denver to-day. 1t is no exaggeration to say
that Mr.. Brunton has become very popular
official His principal duties are attendance
upon sick or injured employees in hospitals.
rendering assistance at wrecks, officiating
at public gatherings in charge of the COM
pany and the maintaining of reading room
for the employees Of the company at Pueblo.
Further than this the spiritual wants of the
employees are looked after, so far as cir
cumstances create opportunities. Besides
matters like these, which seem to require
the attention of the chaplain with some de-
gree Of regularity, he divides his spare time
among the employees on the trains, in the
shop and on the track, entering into the
personal affairs of discharged or suspended
men by interceding with the officials in their
behalf. and, in cases. attempting the refor-
nation of those addicted to unfortunate
habits. In addition to this, he supplies
literature to employees upon request, and car
ries in his pockets a supply of tickets good
for a loaf of bread or a cup of coffee at
bakeries or restaurants in towns along the
line for the benefit Of persons in straitened
circumstances. The chaplains time is de-
voted. therefore. mainly to work of a char
liable nature, rather than to the perform
ance of formal religious exercises.
Rev. John Brunton was for thirty years
a railroad conductor and engineer Former
~ he was connected with the train service
of the Pennsylvania Railroad, also the Big
-Four. and it may be interesting to state that
he attended the first convention of the To-
connective engineers in Baltimore, in 1856. In
1856 he came West and entered the service
of the Denver & Rio Grande. Seeing the
great need of help among the railroad men,
he often gave his attention to needy per-
sons in a personal way, until, finally, he
became noted for such work and the value
of his services came to be appreciated by
the company. 1t was in this manner that
he gradually worked into field of great
usefulness, and since 1891 he has been Of
iically recognized as chaplain of the road.
Father" Brunton, as he Is called every
where. is Familiarity known among all the
employees of the road, and also among those
of the Union Pacific. Denver & Gulf and
Santa Fe roads, where he pays occasional
visits. Since his connection with the Dem
yer & Rio Grande as chaplain he has been
ordained a minister of the gospel, in what
denomination it matters not since in his
work he is no respecter of denominations
and equally popular with all denominations
among the employees, holding the respect
and confidence of ALL His long experience
as a railroad employee and his knowledge
of railroad matters are, of course, of great
assistance TO him. and no doubt account
largely for the success with which he labors.
He makes his headquarters at the library
and reading room in Pueblo, where employees
of the road may spend pleasant and prof
5table hour unmolested. The room for this
purpose is furnished by the railroad COM
pany. Funds for the charitable work which
he carries on are raised by personal solicit
tation among the officials and employees of
the company, thus enabling ii to be carried
on. entirely without obligation to the COM
pany The chaplain preferring to conduct his
work on this basis. At funerals of en-
ployes the company is represented in an Of
fetal way in the person of the chaplain,
and when employees are killed or injured
he takes part in breaking the news to the
bereaved families ana. for the time being,
performs such services as can best conduce
to the comfort and wants of the distressed.