Confederate Soldiers' Tract Association: Religion in the Army

Yesterday, I mentioned in the blog entry about William W. Bennett, Methodist minister, that he was Superintendent of the Soldiers Tract Association at one time.  i was not aware of what that might mean, but since he was a preacher, imagined it must have something to do with Christianity.

I was not able to find any articles about the organization, but think it probably was centered on saving the soldiers' souls via becoming Christians.  This would probably include providing Bibles, hymnals and making sure there were enough chaplains for their needs.

It also probably had something to do with the evangelical revivals that swept through the Southern armies.

Just Thinking.  --Old Secesh

Another Confederate Buried At Arlington National Cemetery: Chaplain W.W. Bennett

From the ANC site.

WILLIAM WOODHULL BENNETT, D.D.  Born 1821.  Methodist preacher.  Served in a variety of Methodist positions before, during and after the war.  Died 1887 and buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

He led the Centenary Methodist Church in Richmond, Virginia, from 1862-1863.  He then was Superintendent of the Soldier's Tract Association and a chaplain in the Confederate Army until the end of the war.

He ran the blockade out of Charleston in the winter of 1865 and went to England to procure Bibles for the Confederate Army.  He wrote :The Great Revival in Southern Armies."

A noted educator as well.

--Old Secesh