Letter to Dr. W.H. Jernagin
Title
Letter to Dr. W.H. Jernagin
Date
1945 April 11
Creator
Penn, Robert E.
Source
Robert E. Penn collection
Rights
All images in this collection either are protected by copyright or are the property of the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center, Inc., and/or the copyright holder as appropriate. To order a reproduction or to inquire about permission to publish, please contact archives@auctr.edu with specific object file name.
Identifier
auc.143.0134_001.doc.b04f04
auc.143.0134_002.doc.b04f04
auc.143.0134_003.doc.b04f04
Format
image/jpeg
Language
en
Contributor
Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library
Type
Correspondence
Text
[TRANSCRIPTION]
HEADQUARTERS 1888TH ENGR. AVN. BN.
Office of the Chaplain
APO 218 c/o Postmaster
11 April 1945
Dr. W.H. Jernagin
National Baptist S.S. & BYPU Congress
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Jernagin:
The following observations, recommendations, and requests is a results of regular conversation with Negro Baptist Chaplains on duty in this Theatre. It has been our good privilege to minister to our fighting men in this distant land, and at times we have enjoyed a rich fellowship together. Almost without exception, our conversation has ended with important speculation as to the future of the Negro-Church, and especially our Baptist Church, inasmuch, as we plan to continue a Baptist ministry. The following observations seem to stand out, and the following recommendations and requests, are in our opinion, one was to counteract, to some degree, the anticipated loss of influence of our Negro Chruch.
First, the majority of service-men we serve, who have church affiliation, are Baptist.
Second, the majority of Negro-Chaplains on Active duty are Baptis, and are doing a good job as Chaplains.
Third, it is our painful observation, that our church is one of the larger protestant bodies in the United States, but is neglecting its responsibility to keep in touch with its communicants in the Army through some type publication. Here we point out the tremendous amount of devotional literature that is sent out indiscriminately by other denominational bodies, while we, as a church allow this method of communion to pass, seemingly without thought.
Fourth, the returning service-man will need orientation. After many months of regimentation he will need by less respectful of most civilian authority, and will need the counsel of the Church and the minister in making re-adjustment.
--------2, Dr W.H. Jernagin
Fifth, it is observed that the average soldier will not accept the church is infallible. This fact in itself demands that the church prove itself the champion of the welfare of the total man. As a solider, he has been taught to be practical, life has been undressed of its traditional garments and he thinks in terms of utility. This does not mean that the religious emphasis is lost, but that the religion must be total.
Sixth, it is our conviction, that the Negro Church will be called on to assist in this great task, and in many instances will be the only channel of expression.
With the above in mind, we are making the following suggestions, recommendations and request for this year’s convention:
One, that the program committee will be instructed to have space on the Convention’s program for the discussion of the unique, and important ministry to Servicemen, and to discharged soldiers.
Second, that a qualified commission be appointed to study the opportunities, advantages, services, and aids offered Veterans, and that this information be sent out to all churches, and ministers in simplified form, so that through service and a complete ministry the church may reclaim its members.
Third, that the convention will study evangelistical techniques, and sponsor with other churches a “Crusade for Christ.”
Fourth, that in some way the church will publish some devotional literature to be sent to all chaplains serving with Negro troops.
Fifth, that some member of this committee, will be given a place on the Conventions program, as some of us will be in the States; for the Convention.
Finally, this letter is not an indictment of our present leaders, but is a very humble attempt of ours to share our observations and if possible, remedy some of our joint weaknesses. We are aware of the contribution that has been made, and we know that the leaders of our Church are anxious to always render the greater service. It has been our privilege through the church to serve in this capacity, and we hope that these observations will be accepted in the spirit with which they are submitted.
--------3, Dr W.H. Jernagin
4. With the hope that we will meet soon, and that God will guide us in “His Way Everlasting”.
Prayerfully sumitted,
The Committee:
Robert W. Penn – Chairman
Captain AUS
Chaplain 1888th Engr. Avn. Bn.
Chaplain (Capt.) W.O. Jones
45th QM., Group
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) J.H. Smith
858th Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) G.R. Yancy
484th AAA Bn.
APO 218 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) T.T. Smith
849th Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) C.E. Byrd
1883rd Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) C.M.C. Ellis
Camp Howrah
APO 465 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
HEADQUARTERS 1888TH ENGR. AVN. BN.
Office of the Chaplain
APO 218 c/o Postmaster
11 April 1945
Dr. W.H. Jernagin
National Baptist S.S. & BYPU Congress
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Jernagin:
The following observations, recommendations, and requests is a results of regular conversation with Negro Baptist Chaplains on duty in this Theatre. It has been our good privilege to minister to our fighting men in this distant land, and at times we have enjoyed a rich fellowship together. Almost without exception, our conversation has ended with important speculation as to the future of the Negro-Church, and especially our Baptist Church, inasmuch, as we plan to continue a Baptist ministry. The following observations seem to stand out, and the following recommendations and requests, are in our opinion, one was to counteract, to some degree, the anticipated loss of influence of our Negro Chruch.
First, the majority of service-men we serve, who have church affiliation, are Baptist.
Second, the majority of Negro-Chaplains on Active duty are Baptis, and are doing a good job as Chaplains.
Third, it is our painful observation, that our church is one of the larger protestant bodies in the United States, but is neglecting its responsibility to keep in touch with its communicants in the Army through some type publication. Here we point out the tremendous amount of devotional literature that is sent out indiscriminately by other denominational bodies, while we, as a church allow this method of communion to pass, seemingly without thought.
Fourth, the returning service-man will need orientation. After many months of regimentation he will need by less respectful of most civilian authority, and will need the counsel of the Church and the minister in making re-adjustment.
--------2, Dr W.H. Jernagin
Fifth, it is observed that the average soldier will not accept the church is infallible. This fact in itself demands that the church prove itself the champion of the welfare of the total man. As a solider, he has been taught to be practical, life has been undressed of its traditional garments and he thinks in terms of utility. This does not mean that the religious emphasis is lost, but that the religion must be total.
Sixth, it is our conviction, that the Negro Church will be called on to assist in this great task, and in many instances will be the only channel of expression.
With the above in mind, we are making the following suggestions, recommendations and request for this year’s convention:
One, that the program committee will be instructed to have space on the Convention’s program for the discussion of the unique, and important ministry to Servicemen, and to discharged soldiers.
Second, that a qualified commission be appointed to study the opportunities, advantages, services, and aids offered Veterans, and that this information be sent out to all churches, and ministers in simplified form, so that through service and a complete ministry the church may reclaim its members.
Third, that the convention will study evangelistical techniques, and sponsor with other churches a “Crusade for Christ.”
Fourth, that in some way the church will publish some devotional literature to be sent to all chaplains serving with Negro troops.
Fifth, that some member of this committee, will be given a place on the Conventions program, as some of us will be in the States; for the Convention.
Finally, this letter is not an indictment of our present leaders, but is a very humble attempt of ours to share our observations and if possible, remedy some of our joint weaknesses. We are aware of the contribution that has been made, and we know that the leaders of our Church are anxious to always render the greater service. It has been our privilege through the church to serve in this capacity, and we hope that these observations will be accepted in the spirit with which they are submitted.
--------3, Dr W.H. Jernagin
4. With the hope that we will meet soon, and that God will guide us in “His Way Everlasting”.
Prayerfully sumitted,
The Committee:
Robert W. Penn – Chairman
Captain AUS
Chaplain 1888th Engr. Avn. Bn.
Chaplain (Capt.) W.O. Jones
45th QM., Group
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) J.H. Smith
858th Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) G.R. Yancy
484th AAA Bn.
APO 218 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) T.T. Smith
849th Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) C.E. Byrd
1883rd Engr. Avn. Bn.
APO 689 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Chaplain (Capt.) C.M.C. Ellis
Camp Howrah
APO 465 c/o P.M. NYC., N.Y.
Citation
Penn, Robert E., “Letter to Dr. W.H. Jernagin,” GLAM Center for Collaborative Teaching and Learning - Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library, accessed December 29, 2024, https://glamportal.auctr.edu/items/show/586.