Clergy and others have ministered to patients in military hospitals since before the beginning of the United States. During the Civil War, a call to officially appoint chaplains to serve in hospitals was raised, with President Lincoln agreeing to the need. Lincoln gained volunteers to serve in military hospitals with the promise that he would request that Congress authorize official appointment and payment, which occurred in 1862.

On the pages that follow are descriptions of the ministry that chaplains have performed at military hospitals (Go to “Chaplain” > “Non-Combat” > “Hospital Ministry” then select the different eras).

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