trust and friendship which he inherits from the past the THIS ONE WOULD TAKE A PRIZE chaplain is in an excellent position for his work both with Chaplain Anthony J. Urbanski, while stationed at Fort fficers and men. All know that he has a "sacred office," Des Moines, Iowa, WAC Barracks, phoned the paint shop and that it is his duty to be a friend and adviser to all. for a door sign. They asked him to spell out the words. They expect him to live up to the first, and to be the second. Here is the sign as he received it:
The Chaplain of the Fleet is as unique among Depart-g mental Heads as the chaplain among commissioned officers. He is not an Admiral or Vice-Admiral, but an Archdeacon. He wears "gaiters" like other Archdeacons ashore.
He is always a regular Naval Chaplain of great experience. His "Archdeaconry" contains-in peacetime about
100, in wartime over 400-chaplains.
Since 1812 he has controlled the initial appointment of
chaplains, and thereafter, in friendly collaboration with
Captains, shaped their careers.
After a period of training by an experienced chaplain
the "new entry" goes to his first "parish." It may be a ship,
a Naval or Royal,Marine shore establishment, or a Naval
hospital. As far as possible the average number of parishioners is 1000.
He may have an Admiralty church like St. Michael and
All Angels, Depot Royal Marines, Deal. Or he may have
a little chapel like that in H.M.S. Formidable. He may
have to improvise in some spare space on board (not easy
to find nowadays) or carry his "portable church" round
with him.
At least since 1147 regular worship has been a constant
ideal for the King's ships. The modern regulations are in
substance and wording much the same as in Lord Barham's ancient custom to use the ship's bell as a font. days and much better obeyed. As then, so now the weather All these services occupy the chaplain for perhaps and the circumstances may modify the services or prevent hours a week. He spends the remainder of his time tryin them altogether. to be a "friend and adviser" to all on board, and it is hard The main service of the week is held on Sunday morn- in such notes as these to do more than give a list of some ing. All Officers and men not on duty are expected to at- of the forms this aim takes. Pastoral work and religious tend. Before and during it the church pendant is flown, instruction (for which there are considerable opportuni(This pendant has been used for this purpose at least since ties), welfare work, visiting (including the sick bay daily), 1778.) running the Ship's Library, organizing concerts, writing
When possible "church is rigged" on the quarterdeck. notes on ports and places to be visited, arranging games, The service is Morning Prayer with Sermon. Care is taken picnics, sight-seeing tours when the ship is in ports; these to choose good hymns, because sailors sing well and discuss and many other activities make his week a full one. the choice made critically afterward. The singing is ac- Most chaplains are Church of England, but provision is conpanied by a Royal Marine Band (when available) and made for the other denominations. They have their own a harmonium. The naval prayers quoted earlier are used. services and their own chaplains. A few of them go to sea, Many of the congregation know them by heart and are where they are accommodated in one ship for fleet or quick to notice any mistakes. The service ends with the squadron duties (they are never chaplains of particular singing of either the last verse of "Eternal Father, strong ships). There are usually three more in each of the main to save" or the first and last verses of "Holy Father in Thy shore establishments. Often ashore local clergy act as Mercy" and the National Anthem. "officiating ministers" to their own men. The system
The Sunday evening service, which in Barham's day was works well, owing to the personal friendship and good in theory compulsory, is now voluntary. It is held during understanding between the chaplains of all the churches. the "dog-watches," and often takes the form of a lantern What is the secret of success? First the chaplain must service yand hymn singing. develop a real love for his men and a pride in their traThe Holy Communion is celebrated "at least on every ditions and achievements. Second, and much more fundaSunday when practicable"-certainly far more frequently mental, he must strive to be a real ambassador of Jesus than in the 18th century. Christ. He can only do this if he tries to follow the advice There are prayers daily after the inspection of the ship's which Bishop Corfe of Corea (himself for 15 years a most company by divisions. They last for ten minutes and con- wonderful Naval Chaplain) gave to a young parson who sist of a hymn followed by the Lord's Prayer and two or was considering entering the Service "Say your prayers, three other suitable prayers. keep your idea of what a priest should be as high as I hope From time to time the Chaplain is called on to baptize, it is now, and God bless you in as difficult and fine a job marry or bury his parishioners and their children. It is an as a man can lay his hands to." April-May, 1946 5 ;i ..5