THE FOUR CHAPLAINS

Each year I am invited to participate in The Four Chaplains service at the PFC Ralph Johnson American Legion Post 147 located on Folly Road here on James Island. It is a wonderful service to remember the heroic acts of bravery performed by Chaplains Alexander Goode, George Fox, Clark Poling and John Washington. These four Chaplains were on board the SS Dorchester, a transport ship, when the ship was spotted by a German submarine off the coast of Newfoundland. At 1:00 AM on February 3rd, the SS Dorchester, carrying 900 men, was hit by a torpedo. The devastating damage caused the ship to sink in a matter of minutes. Men were helped to lifejackets and life boats. Only 203 of the 904 men survived the explosion and the bitter freezing waters.

The four Chaplains were helping the soldiers put on their lifejackets and get on the limited number of lifeboats that were still available. All four of the Chaplains, a Methodist Pastor, a Jewish Priest, a Catholic Priest and a Reformed Pastor, removed their own lifejackets and gave them to men who could not swim. These four men, locked arms and went down with the ship singing hymns and offering prayers.

These four brave men were not forgotten. They were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Purple Heart. They joined together to give their lives so others could live. These four came from different faiths yet had the same Father; the same love for others; the same belief in giving so others could live.

I have been privileged to participate in this moving service for over 12 years. This year’s service was as beautiful as it was emotionally moving. I am honored to be asked to remember four fellow clergy who served our Father and our country. I am thankful for the PFC Ralph Johnson American Legion Post 147 for sponsoring this patriotic and spiritually moving service. Greater love has no man than to give up his life for another. Thank you Chaplains for your love, sacrifice and exemplary bravery.

See you Sunday, good Lord willing!

Pastor Tom