Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/365

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TIMELY RECOGNITION

Edward W. Dickey of Los Angeles, California, and Mr. Martin F. Jackson of New York City were the first appointees, receiving their commissions in November, 1917. On June 1, 1918, a third army chaplain was announced, Mr. Walter S. Cross of Baltimore, Maryland. In August of the same year three additional appointments were made as follows: Mr. Gustavus S. Paine of Reno, Nevada, and Mr. Arthur C. Whitney and Mr. George R. Bonner, both of Boston, Massachusetts. When a Chaplains' Training School was opened in October, 1918, at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, four Christian Scientists entered as candidates. Mr. William M. Bartlett of Concord, Massachusetts, and Mr. Harry K. Filler of Youngstown, Ohio, were graduated and received their commissions in November, 1918. Mr. Herbert W. Beck of Oakland, California, was graduated about two weeks later and assigned to duty and Mr. Don C. Gilman of San Francisco, California, received a commission in the Reserve Officers' Corps and at once returned to civil life.

Certain definite duties are prescribed for chaplains, probably chief of which is the maintenance of the morale of the men under their care. They are, of course, required to hold religious services whenever circumstances permit, being obliged only to hold those of the denomination to which they belong. In the case of Christian Science chaplains, however, their willingness to conduct undenominational services in addition to their own created a very favorable impression. Chaplains may hold classes for religious instruction, and must supervise the education of those who are deficient in the ordinary branches of learning. They are required to visit and comfort the sick and when

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